11/2/2020

Physical basis of Biochemistry

Dr. Iram Murtaza

Dr. I Murtaza Physical basis of Biochemistry 1

Living Organisms Exist in a Dynamic Steady State,

Never at Equilibrium with Their Surroundings

Minute change in the characteristics composition of organisms through time

While the molecules population within organism is far from static

Small molecules, macromolecules , supra-molecular complexes

Continuously
Anabolise and catabolise through continuous flux of

Mass and Energy

Rate of synthesis or intake is in balance with that of breakdown, consumption or conversion

Constancy of concentration is the result of dynamic state Far from Equilibrium

X Energy Generation
Cell dies and begin to decay toward equilibrium with its surroundings

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Energy Inter-conversions in Living organisms

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Organisms Transform Energy and Matter from Their Surroundings

The first Law of thermodynamics, Principle of conservation of energy

“In any Physical or chemical change,

the total amount of energy in the universe remains constant,

although the form of the energy may change”

Cells CONSUMATE TRANSDUCERS of ENERGY

Have ability to interconvert

Chemical, electromagnetic, mechanical and osmotic energy

With great efficiency

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Entropy in Biochemical processes

Breakdown of glucose

Loss of PE

Increase in entropy

Glucose: more organised, CO2 and H20: less organised,

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more potential energy less potential energy
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Flow of Electrons provides Energy for Organisms

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Flow of Electrons provides Energy for Organisms

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The reactions of photosynthesis and cellular respiration share

reciprocal reactants and products

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Creating and Maintaining Order Requires work and energy

2nd Law of Thermodynamic; “The total entropy of the Universe is Continually Increasing”

DNA, RNA and Proteins

Possess
Precise sequence of monomers that contain information's

Covalent bonds b/w subunits

Energy requirement for correct sequencing or order

For synthesis of macromolecules from subunits Free energy must be supplied

J. Willard Gibbs: Theory of Energy changes during Chemical Reactions

G= H- T S G; free energy
H; No. and kinds of bonds
T; Temp
H –ve if heat releases
S; Entropy change
S +ve if randomness increases
(change in system
G –ve reaction to occur
randomness)
spontaneously(exergonic)
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Energy Coupling links Reactions in Biology

Bioenergetics;the study of energy transformations in living systems

Is the mean by which energy from the fuel metabolism or light capture

couples to a cell energy requiring reactions

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K eq and G⁰ are Measures of a Reaction’s Tendency to

Proceed Spontaneously

Tendency of a chemical reaction to go to completion be expressed as an

Equilibrium Constant

Is a measure of a distance of a system from its equilibrium (Gibbs)

System in Equilib; no driving force, no work means =0
So {A} i = {A} eq

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Enzymes Promotes Sequences of Chemical Reactions

Biological macromolecules less thermodynamically stable than monomers but

Kinetically stable (their uncatalyzed breakdown occurs slowly

Enzyme catalyse a reaction by providing more comfortable fit for the transition state:
a surface that supplements transition state is Stereochemistry, Polarity and Charge

Enzyme Binding is Exergonic, energy release reduces Activation energy

and
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increases reaction rate ( million million times
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Metabolism is regulated to Achieve Balance and Economy

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