18 Questions
What is the primary function of the Mevalonic acid (MVA) and Methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathways?
The synthesis of isoprenoids (terpenoids)
How are terpenes and terpenoids differentiated from one another?
By their basic skeleton, determined by the number of isoprene units present, and functional groups.
Where is the Mevalonic acid (MVA) pathway localized?
Cytosol
In which cellular organelle is the Methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway localized?
Plastids
What are the universal precursors of isoprenoids?
Five-carbon building blocks
What is the common feature among Hemiterpenes, Monoterpenes, Sesquiterpenes, Diterpenes, Triterpenes, Tetraterpenes, and Polyterpenes?
They are all types of terpenes with varying numbers of isoprene units and carbon atoms.
What are the two starting substrates for the mevalonic acid pathway?
Phosphoenol pyruvate (PEP) and erythrose-4-phosphate (E4P)
What is chorismate used for in the mevalonic acid pathway?
Chorismate is a substrate for the biosynthesis of three amino acids: phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan.
Why are phenylalanine and tryptophan considered essential amino acids?
Phenylalanine and tryptophan are essential amino acids because the shikimate pathway, which produces them, is not found in animals.
Describe the role of tyrosine in the mevalonic acid pathway.
Animals can synthesize tyrosine from phenylalanine, making it non-essential for most animals.
Which enzyme catalyzes the reaction of Erythrose 4-phosphate and Phosphoenolpyruvate in the shikimic acid pathway?
Phospho-2-oxo-3-deoxyheptonate aldolase catalyzes the coupling of Erythrose 4-phosphate and Phosphoenolpyruvate.
Why is the shikimate pathway important in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids?
The shikimate pathway is vital for the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids in bacteria, fungi, algae, parasites, and plants.
Define the MEP pathway.
The MEP pathway stands for Methylerythritolphosphate pathway, which is an alternative pathway for the biosynthesis of isoprenoids in plants and certain bacteria.
What is the function of the shikimic acid (SA) pathway?
The SA pathway is responsible for the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids (L-tryptophan, L-phenylalanine, and L-tyrosine), their derivatives, vitamins (E & K), proteins, and other secondary metabolites.
How does the MEP pathway differ from the mevalonic acid pathway?
The MEP pathway is an alternative pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis, while the mevalonic acid pathway is the classical pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis in animals and some bacteria.
List the learning outcomes related to biosynthesis from the text.
- Define biosynthesis in pharmacognosy 2. Understand basic metabolic pathways 3. Explain biosynthetic pathways for secondary metabolites 4. Identify starting substrates, intermediate compounds, enzymes, and end products of primary biosynthetic pathways.
What are the key features of the shikimic acid (SA) pathway?
The SA pathway is crucial for synthesizing aromatic amino acids, vitamins, proteins, and secondary metabolites. It has different metabolic branches in various microorganisms.
How has the MEP pathway been utilized in Escherichia coli?
After extensive research, the MEP pathway has been widely studied and applied in Escherichia coli for isoprenoid biosynthesis.
Test your knowledge on metabolic pathways, including the TCA or Krebs cycle, as well as the MVA and MEP pathways. Identify key concepts related to citric acid metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds.
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