PBPN (ANT2004)

TUTORIAL 2: Introduction To Metabolism

Name:__________________________ Tutorial Class: ________ Date:_____________

1. Contrast between the following pathways:

Catabolic Anabolic Amphibolic

Characteristics
Pathways Pathways Pathways

From complex to From simple to Both

Simple or complex simple complex
molecules produced?

Exergonic or endergonic? Ex En

ATP/ADP generated?
ADP -> ATP ATP -> ADP

Oxidative Reductive
Form NADH, Form
Oxidative or reductive? NADPH, FADH2
Name coenzymes formed

Names end with …

Specific example

2. Analyse the redox reaction represented below.

NADPH NADP+
H S - CE + H+ HS- CE

FATTY ACID
SYNTHASE
CH3 – CH = CH – CO – S - ACP
- CH3 – CH 2 – CH2 – CO – S - ACP

Trans-butenoyl-ACP Butyryl-ACP

i. The electron donor is: NADPH

___________________
ii. The electron acceptor is: Trans-butenoyl-ACP
___________________
iii. The substance getting oxidized is: NADPH
___________________
iv. The substance getting reduced is: Trans-butenoyl-ACP
___________________
v. The oxidizing agent/oxidant is: Trans-butenoyl-ACP
___________________
vi. The reducing agent/reductant is: NADPH
___________________
vii. Two redox pairs are: NADP+/NADPH
___________________
and trans-butenoyl-ACP/butyryl-ACP
___________________
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PBPN (ANT2004)

3. Do you agree with following statement? Justify your answer.

“As ATP is our energy currency, we should store lots of ATP to ensure a constant energy
supply”. (7 marks)
ATP is a high energy molecule with very unstable phosphate bonds

Not a preferred storage form of energy

For immediate needs, our body stores energy in the form of phosphocreatine

The coupling between the ATP-ADP Cycle and the creatine-phosphocreatine system maintains
a constant supply of energy in the cell

Phosphocreatine + ADP <-> Creatine + ATP

enzyme: creatine kinase

Our body ultimately stores energy in the form of glycogen and fats

4. Janet has been putting on weight the past few weeks and she blames it on her slow
metabolism. She was told that coconut oil, ginger and coffee speeds up metabolism and
wonders if adding these to her diet will help her lose weight.....
Help explain to Janet, separating the myths from the facts! (8 marks)

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