Biosynthesis

Biosynthesis is the enzyme-mediated formation of complex molecules in living organisms from simpler substances. It builds cellular components and natural products through organized metabolic pathways.

Metabolic pathway: A linked sequence of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that converts starting molecules into products. Biosynthesis proceeds through pathways that connect individual reactions into ordered sequences.
Amino acid: An organic molecule containing amino and carboxyl groups; amino acids are protein building blocks. Cells link amino acids to synthesize proteins.
Protein biosynthesis: The cellular production of proteins by translating messenger RNA into amino-acid chains. It is the biosynthetic route that constructs proteins from amino acids.
Catabolism: The breakdown of molecules into smaller units, often releasing energy. Catabolism degrades molecules, whereas biosynthesis builds them.
Enzyme: A biological catalyst that speeds a chemical reaction without being consumed by it. Enzymes catalyze the reactions that assemble biosynthetic products.
Nucleotide: A molecule composed of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base, used to build nucleic acids. Nucleotides are assembled into DNA and RNA during biosynthesis.
Fatty acid synthesis: The metabolic pathway that builds fatty acids from acetyl-CoA-derived units. It converts small carbon units into the long chains used in lipids.
Anabolism: The set of metabolic pathways that build complex molecules from simpler ones. Anabolism is the broader metabolic category that includes biosynthetic processes.
ATP: A nucleotide that stores and transfers usable chemical energy in cells. Many biosynthetic reactions require energy supplied by ATP.
Fatty acid: A carboxylic acid with a hydrocarbon chain, used in lipids and as a metabolic fuel. Fatty acids are synthesized for membranes, energy storage, and signaling molecules.

Linked from 5 pages