Biosynthesis

Would like to submit a report on Biosynthesis.

(also called biogenesis) is an enzyme-catalyzed process in cells of living organisms by which substrates are converted to more complex products.[1] The biosynthesis process often consists of several enzymatic steps in which the product of one step is used as substrate in the following step. Examples for such multi-step biosynthetic pathways are those for the production of amino acids, fatty acids, and natural products.[2] Biosynthesis plays a major role in all cells, and many dedicated metabolic routes combined constitute general metabolism.

The prerequisites for biosynthesis are precursor compounds, chemical energy (such as in the form ATP), and catalytic enzymes, which may require reduction equivalents (e.g., in the form of NADH, NADPH).

Commonly known complex products of biosynthesis include proteins, vitamins, and antibiotics. Most organic compounds in living organisms are built in biosynthetic pathways.

Primary Metabolism is made up of the fundamental molecules and reactions which are common to all known life forms. Photosynthesis in plants converts carbondioxide into carbohydrates which are converted into energy as adenosin triphosphate (ATP) via the citric acid (Krebs cycle). ATP also drives the biosynthesis of amino acids which are the building blocks of proteins. The building plan for the synthesis of proteins is stored in nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) as genetic information.

Secondary Metabolism is made up of molecules and reactions which are not common to all life forms, but occur in distinct species only. Often secondary metabolites confer a particular advantage to some species. Thus, some fungi produce penicillin as a defense mechanism against other evolutionary competing species. Ironically perhaps, secondary metabolism has been of most interest to organic chemists: The structures of secondary metabolites are extraordinarily complex and their biosynthesis is only beginning to be understood.

Proteins and Enzymes are polypeptides which fulfil both structural and functional roles in cells. Structurally they contribute to the architecture of the cell. Functionally they are involved in the catalysis of reactions. In that role they are also referred to as enzymes. Chemically speaking enzymes and proteins are polypeptides. Inter- and intramolecular forces allow enzymes to adopt distinct three-dimensional shapes. Enzymes can act as catalyst by helping to orientate reactants in a way that facilitates the reaction. Functional groups of individual amino acids provide acidic or basic residues and catalyse the reaction. Sometimes enzymes carry additional groups (Co-factors) to catalyse reactions.

Co-factors (or prosthetic groups) are small non-proteinaceous add-ons to enzymes which extend the capability of enzymes to catalyse reactions. Enzymes containing