NEET MDS Lessons
Biochemistry
Glycolysis Pathway
The reactions of Glycolysis take place in the cytosol of cells.
Glucose enters the Glycolysis pathway by conversion to glucose-6-phosphate. Initially, there is energy input corresponding to cleavage of two ~P bonds of ATP.
1. Hexokinase catalyzes: glucose + ATP → glucose-6-phosphate + ADP
ATP binds to the enzyme as a complex with Mg++.
The reaction catalyzed by Hexokinase is highly spontaneous
2. Phosphoglucose Isomerase catalyzes:
glucose-6-phosphate (aldose) → fructose-6-phosphate (ketose)
The Phosphoglucose Isomerase mechanism involves acid/base catalysis, with ring opening, isomerization via an enediolate intermediate, and then ring closure .
3. Phosphofructokinase catalyzes:
fructose-6-phosphate + ATP → fructose-1,6-bisphosphate + ADP
The Phosphofructokinase reaction is the rate-limiting step of Glycolysis. The enzyme is highly regulated.
4. Aldolase catalyzes:
fructose-1,6-bisphosphate → dihydroxyacetone phosphate + glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate
The Aldolase reaction is an aldol cleavage, the reverse of an aldol condensation.
5. Triose Phosphate Isomerase (TIM) catalyzes
dihydroxyacetone phosphate (ketose) → glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (aldose)
Glycolysis continues from glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate
The equilibrium constant (Keq) for the TIM reaction favors dihydroxyacetone phosphate, but removal of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate by a subsequent spontaneous reaction allows throughput.
6. Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase catalyzes:
glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate + NAD+ + Pi → 1,3,bisphosphoglycerate + NADH + H+
This is the only step in Glycolysis in which NAD+ is reduced to NADH
A cysteine thiol at the active site of Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase has a role in catalysis .
7. Phosphoglycerate Kinase catalyzes:
1,3-bisphosphoglycerate + ADP → 3-phosphoglycerate + ATP
This transfer of phosphate to ADP, from the carboxyl group on 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate, is reversible
8. Phosphoglycerate Mutase catalyzes: 3-phosphoglycerate → 2-phosphoglycerate
Phosphate is shifted from the hydroxyl on C3 of 3-phosphoglycerate to the hydroxyl on C2.
9. Enolase catalyzes: 2-phosphoglycerate → phosphoenolpyruvate + H2O
This Mg++-dependent dehydration reaction is inhibited by fluoride. Fluorophosphate forms a complex with Mg++ at the active site .
10. Pyruvate Kinase catalyzes: phosphoenolpyruvate + ADP → pyruvate + ATP
This transfer of phosphate from PEP to ADP is spontaneous.
Balance sheet for high energy bonds of ATP:
- 2 ATP expended
- 4 ATP produced (2 from each of two 3C fragments from glucose)
- Net Production of 2~ P bonds of ATP per glucose
- There are two important phospholipids, Phosphatidylcholine and Phosphatidylserine found the cell membrane without which cell cannot function normally.
- Phospholipids are also important for optimal brain health as they found the cell membrane of brain cells also which help them to communicate and influence the receptors function. That is the reason food stuff which is rich in phospholipids like soy, eggs and the brain tissue of animals are good for healthy and smart brain.
- Phospholipids are the main component of cell membrane or plasma membrane. The bilayer of phospholipid molecules determine the transition of minerals, nutrients, and drugs in and out of the cell and affect various functions of them.
- As phospholipids are main component of all cell membrane, they influence a number of organs and tissues, such as the heart, blood cells and the immune system. As we grown up the amount of phospholipids decreases and reaches to decline.
- Phospholipids present in cell membrane provide cell permeability and flexibility with various substances as well its ability to move fluently. The arrangement of phospholipid molecules in lipid bilayer prevent amino acids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and proteins from moving across the membrane by diffusion. The lipid bi-layer is usually help to prevent adjacent molecules from sticking to each other.
- The selectivity of cell membrane form certain substances are due to the presence of hydrophobic and hydrophilic part molecules and their arrangement in bilayer. This bilayer is also maintained the normal pH of cell to keeps it functioning properly.
- Phospholipids are also useful in the treatment of memory problem associated with chronic substances as they improve the ability of organism to adapt the chronic stress.
The Phosphate Buffer System
This system, which acts in the cytoplasm of all cells, consists of H2PO4– as proton donor and HPO4 2– as proton acceptor :
H2PO4– = H+ + H2PO4–
The phosphate buffer system works exactly like the acetate buffer system, except for the pH range in which it functions. The phosphate buffer system is maximally effective at a pH close to its pKa of 6.86 and thus tends to resist pH changes in the range between 6.4 and 7.4. It is, therefore, effective in providing buffering power in intracellular fluids.
Riboflavin: Vitamin B2
Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, helps to release energy from foods, promotes good vision, and healthy skin. It also helps to convert the amino acid tryptophan (which makes up protein) into niacin.
RDA Males: 1.3 mg/day; Females: 1.1 mg/day
Deficiency : Symptoms of deficiency include cracks at the corners of the mouth, dermatitis on nose and lips, light sensitivity, cataracts, and a sore, red tongue.
Classification of Fatty Acids and Triglycerides
Short-chain: 2-4 carbon atoms
Medium-chain: 6-12 carbon atoms
Long-chain: 14-20 carbon atoms
Very long-chain: >20 carbon atoms
• are usually in esterified form as major components of other lipids
A16-carbon fatty acid, with one cis double bond between carbon atoms 9 and 10 may be represented as 16:1 cisD9.

Double bonds in fatty acids usually have the cis configuration. Most naturally occurring fatty acids have an even number of carbon atoms
Examples of fatty acids
|
18:0 |
stearic acid |
|
18:1 cisD9 |
oleic acid |
|
18:2 cisD9,12 |
linoleic acid |
|
18:3 cisD9,12,15 |
linonenic acid |
|
20:4 cisD5,8,11,14 |
arachidonic acid |
There is free rotation about C-C bonds in the fatty acid hydrocarbon, except where there is a double bond. Each cis double bond causes a kink in the chain,
CLASSIFICATION OF ENZYMES
1. Oxidoreductases : Act on many chemical groupings to add or remove hydrogen atoms. e.g. Lactate dehydrogenase
2. Transferases Transfer functional groups between donor and acceptor molecules. Kinases are specialized transferases that regulate metabolism by transferring phosphate from ATP to other molecules. e.g. Aminotransferase.
3. Hydrolases Add water across a bond, hydrolyzing it. E.g. Acetyl choline esterase
4. Lyases Add water, ammonia or carbon dioxide across double bonds, or remove these elements to produce double bonds. e.g. Aldolase.
5. Isomerases Carry out many kinds of isomerization: L to D isomerizations, mutase reactions (shifts of chemical groups) and others. e.g. Triose phosphate isomerase
6. Ligases Catalyze reactions in which two chemical groups are joined (or ligated) with the use of energy from ATP. e.g. Acetyl CoA carboxylase
FAT-SOLUBLE VITAMINS
The fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, are stored in the body for long periods of time and generally pose a greater risk for toxicity when consumed in excess than water-soluble vitamins.
VITAMIN A: RETINOL
Vitamin A, also called retinol, has many functions in the body. In addition to helping the eyes adjust to light changes, vitamin A plays an important role in bone growth, tooth development, reproduction, cell division, gene expression, and regulation of the immune system.
The skin, eyes, and mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs depend on vitamin A to remain moist. Vitamin A is also an important antioxidant that may play a role in the prevention of certain cancers.
One RAE equals 1 mcg of retinol or 12 mcg of beta-carotene. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin A is 900 mcg/ day for adult males and 700 mcg/ day for adult females.
Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A deficiency is rare, but the disease that results is known as xerophthalmia.
Other signs of possible vitamin A deficiency include decreased resistance to infections, faulty tooth development, and slower bone growth.
Vitamin A toxicity The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for adults is 3,000 mcg RAE.
VITAMIN D
Vitamin D plays a critical role in the body’s use of calcium and phosphorous. It works by increasing the amount of calcium absorbed from the small intestine, helping to form and maintain bones.
Vitamin D benefits the body by playing a role in immunity and controlling cell growth. Children especially need adequate amounts of vitamin D to develop strong bones and healthy teeth.
RDA From 12 months to age fifty, the RDA is set at 15 mcg.
20 mcg of cholecalciferol equals 800 International Units (IU), which is the recommendation for maintenance of healthy bone for adults over fifty.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in growing children include rickets (long, soft bowed legs) and flattening of the back of the skull. Vitamin D deficiency in adults may result in osteomalacia (muscle and bone weakness), and osteoporosis (loss of bone mass).
Vitamin D toxicity
The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin D is set at 100 mcg for people 9 years of age and older. High doses of vitamin D supplements coupled with large amounts of fortified foods may cause accumulations in the liver and produce signs of poisoning.
VITAMIN E: TOCOPHEROL
Vitamin E benefits the body by acting as an antioxidant, and protecting vitamins A and C, red blood cells, and essential fatty acids from destruction.
RDA One milligram of alpha-tocopherol equals to 1.5 International Units (IU). RDA guidelines state that males and females over the age of 14 should receive 15 mcg of alpha-tocopherol per day.
Vitamin E Deficiency Vitamin E deficiency is rare. Cases of vitamin E deficiency usually only occur in premature infants and in those unable to absorb fats.
VITAMIN K
Vitamin K is naturally produced by the bacteria in the intestines, and plays an essential role in normal blood clotting, promoting bone health, and helping to produce proteins for blood, bones, and kidneys.
RDA
Males and females age 14 - 18: 75 mcg/day; Males and females age 19 and older: 90 mcg/day
Vitamin K Deficiency
Hemorrhage can occur due to sufficient amounts of vitamin K.
Vitamin K deficiency may appear in infants or in people who take anticoagulants, such as Coumadin (warfarin), or antibiotic drugs.
Newborn babies lack the intestinal bacteria to produce vitamin K and need a supplement for the first week.