Metabolism: Energy Production and Enzymes

This lecture covers the fundamental concepts of metabolism, including the transformation of fuels into cellular energy, specific pathways catalyzed by enzymes, and the importance of free energy in metabolic reactions. It explores the role of ATP as a universal energy currency, the coupling of reactions with ATP hydrolysis, and the major carriers involved in metabolism. Examples of activated carriers and cofactors, such as NAD and Coenzyme A, are discussed in the context of oxidation-reduction reactions and electron transport. The lecture also delves into the metabolic processes of complex carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleotides, emphasizing the intricate network of chemical reactions that sustain biological systems.