Biosynthesis
Biosynthesis is an essential stage in metabolism where building blocks used in the synthesis of cell macromolecules and membranes are produced from simpler precursors. It is preceded by a fueling (catabolism stage and followed by polymerisation and assembly of building blocks into cell components.
Biosynthesis, takes place within living cellss and is generally catalysed by enzymes. The reactions are generally organised in sequential steps called biosynthetic pathways, which branch from a metabolic network known as central metabolism.
The prerequisites for biosynthesis are:
- Thirteen precursor carbon-skeletons
- Energy (usually in the form of ATP)
- Enzyme catalysts
- Reduction equivalents (in the form of hydrogen carried on the coenzymes NADH, NADPH and others)
- Nitrogen in the form of ammonium ion.
- Reduced forms of sulfur in some amino acids
Important and widely known products of biosynthesis include amino acids, nucleotides, and , vitamins but all components of living beings depend on this process. Biosynthesis is harvested by the biotechnology industry to manufacture flavoring compounds such as mono sodium glutamate and lysine, vitamins, and therapeutic proteins such as insulin and growth hormones.
Representive biosynthetic pathway
The amino acid glutamate is a common component of proteins. It can be formed by a short pathway that illustrates the features of a typical biosynthetic pathway.
