CELLULAR-METABOLISM-AND-MITOCHONDRIA-RADOMES-JESSA.pptx

Cellular Metabolism and the Role of Mitochondria

Introduction
Cells are the fundamental units of life, responsible for carrying out a variety of essential biochemical processes to sustain life. Among these processes, cellular metabolism plays a crucial role in maintaining energy homeostasis. Cellular metabolism includes all the chemical reactions occurring within a cell that allow it to grow, reproduce, respond to its environment, and maintain its structure and functions.

At the heart of cellular metabolism lies the mitochondrion, often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell. Mitochondria are responsible for producing the majority of the cell’s adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency required for various cellular activities. Through metabolic pathways like glycolysis, the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle), and oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondria convert nutrients into ATP, enabling cells to function efficiently.

This presentation provides an in-depth understanding of cellular metabolism, the role of mitochondria, ATP production, metabolic regulation, and the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on health.

1. Overview of Cellular Metabolism
Cellular metabolism encompasses two main types of reactions:

Catabolic reactions – These involve the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy. Examples include the breakdown of glucose in glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation.
Anabolic reactions – These build complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy input. Examples include protein synthesis, DNA replication, and lipid biosynthesis.
Metabolism is essential for energy production, nutrient processing, and cellular maintenance. It consists of several interconnected pathways, each with a specific function.

1.1. Major Metabolic Pathways
The key metabolic pathways involved in energy production include:

Glycolysis – The breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, generating ATP and NADH.
Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle) – A series of reactions that further break down pyruvate, producing electron carriers (NADH and FADH₂).
Oxidative Phosphorylation (Electron Transport Chain) – The process where electrons from NADH and FADH₂ drive ATP production in mitochondria.
Beta-Oxidation – The breakdown of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA for further energy extraction.
2. The Role of Mitochondria in Metabolism
Mitochondria are double-membraned organelles found in nearly all eukaryotic cells. Their primary function is ATP production, but they also play roles in cell signaling, apoptosis, and the synthesis of important biomolecules.

2.1. Structure of Mitochondria
Mitochondria have a unique structure suited for their function:

Outer membrane – Contains transport proteins for exchanging molecules with the cytoplasm.
Inner membrane – Contains the electron transport chain and ATP synthase, essential for energy production.
Intermembrane space – The site where proton accumulation creates an electrochemical gradient for ATP synthesis.

1. CELLULAR METABOLISM AND MITOCHONDRIA PRESENTED BY: JESSA C. RADOMES

2. WHAT IS CELLULAR METABOLISM?

3. is  comprised of the chemical reactions that occur in living cells .

4. TWO MAIN PROCESSES IN CELLULAR MATABOLISM CATABOLISM ANABOLISM

5. ATP: The Energy Currency Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a molecule that stores and provides energy for cellular processes. ATP consists of adenosine and three phosphate groups, with high-energy bonds between the phosphate groups. When the last phosphate group is cleaved, ATP is converted into adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and releases energy for cellular work.

6. Regulation of Cellular Metabolism Cellular metabolism is tightly regulated to maintain metabolic balance and respond to changing energy demands. Enzymes play a crucial role in catalyzing metabolic reactions and regulating their rates. Hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, also influence metabolism by controlling the release and storage of energy-rich molecules.

7. MITOCHONDRIA

8. Mitochondria are specialized organelles found in most eukaryotic cells. They are often referred to as the "powerhouses" of the cell due to their crucial role in energy production. Mitochondria have a double membrane structure and contain their own DNA, allowing them to self-replicate. -

9. Mitochondrial Function in Cellular Metabolism Mitochondria are the primary sites for ATP production through a process called cellular respiration. During cellular respiration, molecules derived from catabolism (such as glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids) are broken down in the presence of oxygen to generate ATP. This process occurs in the mitochondria's inner membrane, specifically in the electron transport chain and the citric acid cycle.

10. Metabolic Pathways in Mitochondria The citric acid cycle (also known as the Krebs cycle) takes place in the mitochondrial matrix and generates high-energy molecules (NADH and FADH2) used in ATP production. The electron transport chain, located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, utilizes the high-energy molecules to create a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation.

11. Metabolic Regulation by Mitochondria Mitochondria play a crucial role in metabolic regulation by responding to the energy needs of the cell. They can adjust their activity based on signals from the cell and the availability of substrates and oxygen. Mitochondria also participate in other metabolic pathways, such as fatty acid oxidation and amino acid metabolism.

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