what are three major themes you would identify that connect the various topics discussed in the course

This semester we have discussed basic chemical principles and looked at the nature of different molecules that make up all living creatures. Metabolism brought all of this together and showed how the bulk of chemical reactions of biomolecules function within us all and is the basis for life itself. But in order for metabolism to occur structures need to be formed so that open systems can be achieved and biomolecules can be used efficiently. This is why DNA replication and protein synthesis are two other important process we have learned and all three of these connect with all the topics we have discussed.
DNA replication forms a template strand that is transcribed into RNA and is then translated into specific proteins and it is involved and influences all other processes within an organism. It designs the proteins needed for metabolism, the enzymes used to catalyze metabolic reactions and designs the systems needed for these reactions occur.
Proteins are like the, “local handy man” and seem to be able to do any task given to them. They are involved in every process even the synthesis of themselves. Proteins work in the building and repairing of body tissues, regulates body processes and formation of enzymes and hormones. Our body needs proteins for the purpose of maintenance and healthy growth.
Metabolism, DNA replication and the synthesis of proteins are topics that seem to come up over and over again in all my classes; Biochemistry has only taken them and really gone into depth as to how they work. Now I know that transcription and translation factors are extremely important in synthesis of new proteins. Apparently I only knew the basics behind synthesis (which was fine with me), DNA replicates by DNA polymerase binding, A-T, C-G and U is involved in RNA translation and synthesis of proteins. Now I know it is extremely complicated and that there important protein factors that must bind too DNA first before Polymerase is even in the picture.
In biochemistry it seems every class I am learning about a new protein and how important it is. Transcription and translation factors of pre-initiation complexes, to Enzymes and co-enzymes in catalyzing reactions of metabolic pathways each week there is a new protein to understand.
Metabolism has been the same case. I knew the basics glycolysis and the metabolic pathway of glucose to form ATP NAD and FAD. Now I know what reaction occurs in steps of glycolysis and the enzymes used for these different reactions if they are exorgonic or endorgonic reactions. We also went into greater detail as to how lactate is synthesized back into glucose which I found very interesting because I didn’t know that these reactions in glycolysis for the most part can go both ways.

How would you explain the connection between glucose and the energy created by the body to a friend.

One of my friends asks me to explain, “How glucose works in the body”. This is a scenario that is very unlikely. If this were to happen though I would explain to them that glucose is a major source of energy that the cells in your body use to function properly. Glucose comes from carbohydrates which are found the foods we eat like vegetables, fruits, grains. Glucose is one the main products of photosynthesis in plants. When you eat a piece of bread your body takes those carbohydrates and breaks them down into simple sugars of glucose. This occurs in your mouth, stomach and small intestine where carbohydrates, a polysaccharide (basically a big bundle of sugars) are broken down into monosaccharides, which are mainly glucose molecules.
Once broken down the body absorbs these glucose molecules into the blood where they travel around the body and used for energy. Glucose is stored in the body by synthesis of glycogen, which can be found in muscle tissue and the liver. Glycogen is like a vine of grapes where is grape is a glucose molecule. When levels of glucose are low in the blood your pancreas excretes insulin which will increase blood glucose levels by the breakdown of glycogen.
Now glucose is used as energy by a process called glycolysis which is the breakdown of glucose. This process takes glucose and breaks it down into 2 pyruvate acid molecules. During this process 2 ATP molecules where formed. ATP is the energy that is used in all in the body, think of it as the body’s own currency that all processes can use for energy in order to function. Glycolysis forms 4 ATP but in order for that to occur it to occur it takes 2 ATP for glycolysis to function. Your body can use this pyruvate to form lactate when oxygen is not available, which will then be transported by the blood to the liver where it can be synthesized back into glucose. If oxygen is available then it can further be turned into more ATP by 2 other metabolic processes.
Glycolysis forms 2 ATP, for every one glucose molecule. That is really not a lot of energy, so pyruvate can further make ATP by turning Pyruvate into Acetyl CoA which is used in Kreb’s cycle. This cycle forms two different molecules NAD and FAD which will be used in another process. These are coenzymes that are used to take the proton H+ and change a chemical gradient within a process called electron transport chain. Here is where more ATP is formed. The H+ chemical gradient creates an electrical gradient that promotes the formation of at least 30 ATP per for every glucose molecule.

What knowledge of you connected with past knowledge

In my physiology class we talked a lot about how metabolism works in the body and how important it is to have a balanced diet so that metabolic process can work properly. It provides the needed energy and nutrition to maintain cells, tissues, organs, and sustain optimal growth and development. Having a well-balanced diet involves eating foods in healthy proportions from all food groups. Fats, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, fiber, and mineral salts, each of these nutrients are vital pieces in the function of the human body. A balanced diet helps maintain a good supply of nutrients which in turn keeps the body metabolism working properly.
Taking this knowledge and applying it in biochemistry has been very beneficial in understanding metabolic processes. We touched base on the steps of glycolysis, TCA cycle and the electron chain transport in Physiology but not as in depth as we did in biochemistry. Understanding how different enzymes catalyze different reactions within each step has helped in understanding the big picture.
Biochemistry has also helped further my knowledge of hormones, steroids and other molecules are used in the body. I already knew what they did but what I didn’t know is how they are formed. Now I know at a molecular level how they are formed thanks to biochemistry.