ATP Synthase

We owe our life and energy to this little molecular motor, the ATP Synthase. This cute motor lies across the inner membrane of the mitochondria. It extends into the intermembrane space and the mitochondrial matrix. Its function is to use a chemical gradient to fuel the creation of ATP.

The F1 unit of the ATP synthase is composed of 5 different subunits: 3 alpha, 3 beta,1 gamma, 1 delta, and 1 epsilon. The subunit that binds the substrate is the beta.

The electron transport chain functions in transferring protons from the mitochondrial matrix into the intermembrane space. The proton then travel through the ATP synthase, where when two travel down they will connect with an oxygen to form water. When they travel through the ATP synthase, it allows it the energy to converty ADP + Pi to ATP.



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References:
Information: http://www.life.illinois.edu/crofts/bioph354/lect10.html
Picture: http://www.uic.edu/classes/bios/bios100/lectures/respiration.htm

Replication Terms

Topoisomerases - These are a group of enzymes that breaks, swivels, and rejoins the DNA strands to relieve the strain of supercoiling.

DNA gyrase - This is actually a type of topoisomerase found in prokaryotes. Its function is to create negative supercoils to relieve the strain caused by supercoiling.










Single-strand binding protein - when the DNA strands are unwound, then this protein keeps them from binding back together.








Helicase - This is the protein that binds to the DNA at the replication fork and unwinds it. It separates the two strands. It keeps moving down the replication fork.







DNA ligase - The protein is an enzyme that creates phophodiester linkages. So when replication is complete, it binds the okazaki fragments together to create one whole strand.

My Expectations with Cell and Molecular Biology

So this is the last science class I will be taking for my undergraduate career. This is so bitter sweet. But I can say that I am happy it is with Dr. V. Also, my best friends are in the class! It's going to be so much fun!!!

I feel that Cell and Molecular Biology is an indepth look into what is learned in College Biology and Biochemistry. It shouldn't be that difficult as long as I keep up with my school work. What is awesome is that it is a required class for biology majors, which is important. Especially for those intending to matriculate into medical school.

This class is going to prepare me for the material I will encounter in medical school. And I think it is rather important to at least have some foundation to build upon to make the learning process easy. I don't know if it will give me  even a slight advantage in medical school,. Regardless, I'm happy I am being exposed to this. I think i'm going to thoroughly enjoy the class as much as I enjoyed Histology.