NEET MDS Lessons
Biochemistry
Polyprotic Acids
• Some acids are polyprotic acids; they can lose more than one proton.
• In this case, the conjugate base is also a weak acid.
• For example: Carbonic acid (H2CO3 ) can lose two protons sequentially.
• Each dissociation has a unique Ka and pKa value.
Ka1 = [H+ ][HCO3 - ] / [H2CO3]
Ka2 = [H+ ][CO3 -2 ] / [HCO3- ]
Note: (The difference between a weak acid and its conjugate base differ is one hydrogen)
BIOLOGICAL ROLES OF LIPID
Lipids have the common property of being relatively insoluble in water and soluble in nonpolar solvents such as ether and chloroform. They are important dietary constituents not only because of their high energy value but also because of the fat-soluble vitamins and the essential fatty acids contained in the fat of natural foods
Nonpolar lipids act as electrical insulators, allowing rapid propagation of depolarization waves along myelinated nerves
Combinations of lipid and protein (lipoproteins) are important cellular constituents, occurring both in the cell membrane and in the mitochondria, and serving also as the means of transporting lipids in the blood.
Cholesterol synthesis:
Hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) is the precursor for cholesterol synthesis.
HMG-CoA is also an intermediate on the pathway for synthesis of ketone bodies from acetyl-CoA. The enzymes for ketone body production are located in the mitochondrial matrix. HMG-CoA destined for cholesterol synthesis is made by equivalent, but different, enzymes in the cytosol.
HMG-CoA is formed by condensation of acetyl-CoA and acetoacetyl-CoA, catalyzed by HMG-CoA Synthase.
HMG-CoA Reductase, the rate-determining step on the pathway for synthesis of cholesterol.
The amino acids buffer system
Amino acids contain in their molecule both an acidic (− COOH) and a basic (− NH2) group. They can be visualized as existing in the form of a neutral zwitterion in which a hydrogen atom can pass between the carboxyl and amino groups.
By the addition or subtraction of a hydrogen ion to or from the zwitterion, either the cation or anion form will be produced
Thus, when OH− ions are added to the solution of amino acid, they take up H+ from it to form water, and the anion is produced. If H+ ions are added, they are taken up by the zwitterion to produce the cation form. In practice, if NaOH is added, the salt H2N - CH2 - COONa would be formed. and the addition of HCl would result in the formation of amino acid hydrochloride.
Folate: Folic Acid, Folacin Folate, also known as folic acid or folacin, aids in protein metabolism, promoting red blood cell formation, and lowering the risk for neural tube birth defects. Folate may also play a role in controlling homocysteine levels, thus reducing the risk for coronary heart disease.
RDA for folate is 400 mcg/day for adult males and females. Pregnancy will increase the RDA for folate to 600 mcg/day.
Folate Deficiency
Folate deficiency affects cell growth and protein production, which can lead to overall impaired growth. Deficiency symptoms also include anemia and diarrhea.
A folate deficiency in women who are pregnant or of child bearing age may result in the delivery of a baby with neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
The input to fatty acid synthesis is acetyl-CoA, which is carboxylated to malonyl-CoA.
The ATP-dependent carboxylation provides energy input. The CO2 is lost later during condensation with the growing fatty acid. The spontaneous decarboxylation drives the condensation.
fatty acid synthesis
acetyl-CoA + 7 malonyl-CoA + 14 NADPH → palmitate + 7 CO2 + 14 NADP+ + 8 CoA
ATP-dependent synthesis of malonate:
8 acetyl-CoA + 14 NADPH + 7 ATP → palmitate + 14 NADP+ + 8 CoA + 7 ADP + 7 Pi
Fatty acid synthesis occurs in the cytosol. Acetyl-CoA generated in the mitochondria is transported to the cytosol via a shuttle mechanism involving citrate
CALCIUM
Total calcium in the human body is 1 to 1.5kg, out of which 99% is seen in bone and 1% in extracellular fluid. The main source of calcium is milk.
The daily requirement of calcium for child is 1200mg/day and for adult it is 500mg/day. During pregnancy /lactation the calcium requirement is 1500mg/day.
The absorption of calcium takes place in 1st and 2nd part of deuodenum. Calcium absorption requires carrier protein, helped by Ca2+ - dependent ATpase.
Factors responsible for increase in calcium absorption include Vitamin D, Parathyroid hormone, acidity and amino acids. Factors such as phytic acid,oxalates, malabsorption syndromes and Phosphates decreases calcium absorption. The normal calcium level in blood is 9-11mg/dl.