Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Metabolic Pathway
Microbes play a significant role in human welfare.
One such important contribution is their involvement in various metabolic pathways.
Metabolic pathways are a series of chemical reactions that occur within a cell.
These reactions are responsible for the conversion of one substance into another.
Let’s explore some of the metabolic pathways involving microbes.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Glycolysis
Glycolysis is the metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate.
It occurs in the cytoplasm and is anaerobic.
It produces ATP, NADH, and pyruvate.
This pathway is common in both aerobic and anaerobic organisms.
It is the first step in cellular respiration.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Example and Equation of Glycolysis
In bacteria, glycolysis is crucial for energy production.
Glucose + 2 NAD+ + 2 ADP + 2 Pi -> 2 Pyruvate + 2 NADH + 2 ATP + 2 H2O
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Krebs Cycle
Also known as the citric acid cycle or TCA cycle.
It is an important aerobic process that occurs in the mitochondria.
It oxidizes the acetyl-CoA generated from pyruvate into CO2.
It produces ATP, NADH, FADH2, and CO2.
It plays a significant role in energy generation.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Example and Equation of Krebs Cycle
The Krebs cycle is crucial for energy production in eukaryotic cells.
Acetyl-CoA + 3 NAD+ + FAD + ADP + Pi -> CoA + 3 NADH + FADH2 + ATP + 2 CO2
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Electron Transport Chain
The electron transport chain (ETC) is a series of electron carriers embedded in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
It is an essential process in oxidative phosphorylation.
It uses the energy from NADH and FADH2 to generate ATP.
It requires oxygen as the final electron acceptor.
It generates a proton gradient across the membrane.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Example and Equation of Electron Transport Chain
The electron transport chain is vital for aerobic energy production.
NADH + FADH2 + O2 -> NAD+ + FAD + H2O + ATP
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
It occurs in the chloroplasts of plants and algae.
Photosynthesis is a vital metabolic pathway that sustains life on Earth.
It produces glucose, oxygen, and ATP.
It has two stages
: light-dependent reactions and light-independent reactions.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Example and Equation of Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the primary pathway through which plants obtain energy.
6 CO2 + 6 H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6 O2
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Fermentation
Fermentation is an anaerobic metabolic pathway used by cells to produce ATP.
It occurs when oxygen is limited or absent.
It involves the breakdown of glucose into simpler compounds.
Fermentation produces lactic acid or ethanol and carbon dioxide.
It is used to produce alcoholic beverages and bread.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Example and Equation of Fermentation
Yeast uses fermentation to convert glucose into ethanol during alcohol production.
Glucose -> 2 Ethanol + 2 CO2 + 2 ATP
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Nitrogen Fixation
Nitrogen fixation is the conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form by living organisms.
It is performed by certain bacteria known as nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
These bacteria convert nitrogen gas into ammonia, which can be used by plants.
Nitrogen fixation is essential for the nitrogen cycle and plant growth.
It is crucial for maintaining the balance of nitrogen in ecosystems.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Example and Equation of Nitrogen Fixation
Rhizobium bacteria fix nitrogen in legume root nodules.
N2 + 8H+ + 8e- + 16 ATP -> 2NH3 + H2 + 16 ADP + 16 Pi
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Ammonification
Ammonification is the process of converting organic nitrogen compounds into ammonia.
It occurs during the decomposition of dead plants and animals by bacteria and fungi.
Ammonification releases ammonia into the soil.
Ammonia can then be used by plants in the process of nitrogen assimilation.
It is an important step in the nitrogen cycle.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Example and Equation of Ammonification
Bacteria like Bacillus and Clostridium are involved in ammonification.
Organic nitrogen compounds -> NH3
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Denitrification
Denitrification is the process of converting nitrates back into atmospheric nitrogen.
It is performed by certain bacteria, known as denitrifying bacteria.
These bacteria use nitrates as a source of oxygen, releasing nitrogen gas.
Denitrification is a crucial step in the nitrogen cycle, preventing nitrogen buildup.
It occurs in anaerobic conditions.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Example and Equation of Denitrification
Pseudomonas denitrificans is involved in denitrification.
2NO3- -> 2NO2- -> 2NO -> N2O -> N2 + O2
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Biogeochemical Cycles
Biogeochemical cycles are pathways by which elements and compounds are cycled through the environment.
These cycles involve biological, geological, and chemical processes.
Important biogeochemical cycles include the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and phosphorus cycle.
Microbes play a significant role in these cycles, driving various metabolic pathways.
Understanding these cycles is crucial for the study of ecosystems and environmental science.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Example of Biogeochemical Cycles
The carbon cycle involves various microbial processes, including photosynthesis and respiration.
End of slides -
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Aerobic Respiration
Aerobic respiration is the process that converts glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and ATP.
It is the most efficient way of generating energy in living organisms.
Aerobic respiration occurs in the mitochondria.
It consists of three stages
: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain.
This metabolic pathway is used by eukaryotic organisms.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Example and Equation of Aerobic Respiration
Humans and many other animals rely on aerobic respiration for energy production.
C6H12O6 + 6 O2 -> 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + ATP
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Anaerobic Respiration
Anaerobic respiration is the process that converts glucose into energy without using oxygen.
It occurs in the cytoplasm and is less efficient compared to aerobic respiration.
Anaerobic respiration produces lactic acid or ethanol and CO2.
This metabolic pathway is utilized by microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast.
It is essential in environments where oxygen is scarce.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Example and Equation of Anaerobic Respiration
Bacteria in the human digestive tract carry out anaerobic respiration.
Equation (Lactic Acid Fermentation)
:
Glucose -> 2 Lactic Acid + 2 ATP
Equation (Ethanol Fermentation)
:
Glucose -> 2 Ethanol + 2 CO2 + 2 ATP
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Lipid Metabolism
Lipid metabolism refers to the breakdown and synthesis of lipids in the body.
It involves various metabolic pathways, including lipolysis and lipogenesis.
Lipolysis breaks down triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol for energy production.
Lipogenesis involves the synthesis of triglycerides from excess glucose or fatty acids.
Lipid metabolism plays a crucial role in energy storage and hormone regulation.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Example and Equation of Lipid Metabolism
Adipose tissue stores excess lipids in the form of triglycerides.
Triglycerides -> Fatty Acids + Glycerol
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Lipid Metabolism (Beta-oxidation, Ketogenesis)
Beta-oxidation
: The process by which fatty acids are broken down into acetyl-CoA molecules.
Ketogenesis
: The synthesis of ketone bodies from acetyl-CoA.
Lipogenesis
: The conversion of excess glucose or fatty acids into triglycerides.
Lipid Transport
: The movement of lipids in the bloodstream via lipoproteins.
Lipid Digestion
: The breakdown of dietary triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Example and Equation of Lipid Metabolism (Beta-oxidation)
Lipid metabolism is vital for maintaining energy balance in the body.
Equation (Beta-oxidation)
Fatty Acid + CoA + NAD+ + FAD -> Acetyl-CoA + NADH + FADH2
Equation (Ketogenesis)
:
Acetyl-CoA -> Ketone Bodies
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Amino Acid Metabolism
Amino acid metabolism involves the breakdown, synthesis, and interconversion of amino acids.
It includes processes such as transamination, deamination, and urea cycle.
Transamination transfers an amino group from one amino acid to a keto acid, forming a new amino acid.
Deamination removes the amino group from an amino acid.
The urea cycle converts ammonia into urea, which is excreted by the kidneys.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Example and Equation of Amino Acid Metabolism
Amino acid metabolism is essential for protein synthesis and energy production.
Equation (Transamination)
:
Amino Acid 1 + Keto Acid -> Amino Acid 2 + Keto Acid 2
Equation (Deamination)
:
Amino Acid -> Keto Acid + Ammonia
Equation (Urea Cycle)
:
Ammonia + CO2 + Aspartate + ATP -> Urea + Fumarate + ADP + Pi
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Nucleotide Metabolism
Nucleotide metabolism involves the synthesis and degradation of nucleotides.
Nucleotides are the building blocks of DNA and RNA.
The synthesis of nucleotides occurs through de novo synthesis or salvage pathways.
Purine and pyrimidine metabolism are important components of nucleotide metabolism.
Nucleotide degradation occurs through processes such as nucleotide phosphorylase and nucleotidases.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Example and Equation of Nucleotide Metabolism
Nucleotide metabolism is crucial for cell growth, DNA replication, and protein synthesis.
Equation (Purine Synthesis)
: PRPP + Gln + Gly + ATP -> IMP
Equation (Pyrimidine Synthesis)
: Gln + Asp + HCO3- + ATP -> UMP + Pi
Equation (Nucleotide Degradation)
: Nucleotide -> Nucleoside + Pinorganic + Base
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic disorders are genetic disorders that affect various metabolic pathways.
Examples include phenylketonuria, galactosemia, and maple syrup urine disease.
These disorders result in the accumulation of toxic substances in the body.
Diagnosis of metabolic disorders often involves genetic testing and metabolic screening.
Treatment may involve dietary restrictions, enzyme replacement therapy, or gene therapy.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Example and Equation of Metabolic Disorders
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder that impairs the breakdown of the amino acid phenylalanine.
Phenylalanine -> Phenylpyruvate + Ammonia
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Biotechnology and Metabolic Engineering
Biotechnology utilizes microbial metabolic pathways for various applications.
Metabolic engineering involves modifying an organism’s metabolic pathways for specific purposes.
Examples include the production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals.
Genetic engineering techniques are used to manipulate microbial metabolism.
Advancements in biotechnology have led to significant breakthroughs in various industries.
Example
:
Genetic modification of bacteria to produce insulin for treating diabetes.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Applications of Microbial Metabolic Pathways
Microbes play a crucial role in the production of various compounds through metabolic pathways.
Examples include the production of antibiotics, enzymes, organic acids, and biofuels.
Metabolic engineering allows for the optimization of microbial production processes.
These applications have immense economic and industrial value.
They contribute to the fields of medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and energy production.
Example
:
Streptomyces bacteria are used to produce antibiotics like penicillin.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Conclusion
Microbes play a vital role in various metabolic pathways that impact human welfare.
Understanding these pathways helps us appreciate their contributions to our lives.
Metabolic pathways such as glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and photosynthesis are fundamental to life.
Aerobic and anaerobic respiration provide energy for cellular processes.
Nucleotide, lipid, amino acid metabolism, and other pathways are essential for cellular functions.
Biology In Human Welfare Microbes In Human Welfare Metabolic Pathway
Key Takeaways
Microbes are involved in glycolysis, Krebs cycle, electron transport chain, photosynthesis, fermentation, and more.
Metabolic pathways play a crucial role in energy production, nutrient cycling, and chemical synthesis.
Genetic modification and metabolic engineering have revolutionized biotechnology applications.