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A Network-Based Approach to Cell Metabolism pp 1–24Cite as

Cellular Metabolism at the Systems Level

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Part of the book series: Springer Theses ((Springer Theses))

Abstract

This chapter reviews basic concepts of cellular metabolism. First, an overall view of the architecture of cellular metabolism is given, from the large-scale of Catabolism and Anabolism to biochemical pathways, reactions, and metabolites. Fundamental concepts of chemical kinetics and thermodynamics are mentioned, followed by a brief consideration of key ideas about regulation, control, and evolution of metabolism. Finally, the need for a systems-level approach is discussed. Aims and objectives, together with an outline of this thesis, are included at the end of the chapter.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    A phenotype is the composite of the observable characteristics of an organism, such as its morphology, development, biochemical or physiological properties.

  2. 2.

    In this context, basic refers to acid-base behavior.

  3. 3.

    Also called Krebs Cycle or Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle (TCA Cycle).

  4. 4.

    Thermodynamically speaking one should refer to \(\Delta G\), the change in Gibbs free energy (SI units J mol\(^{-1}\)). An approximate but convenient way is however to refer to \(\Delta G^{\text {o}}\), which denotes the free energy change in standard conditions of a reaction.

  5. 5.

    A protein kinase is a kind of enzyme which transfers phosphate groups from high-energy phosphate donor molecules to specific substrates. This process is called phosphorylation, not to be confused with the Oxidative Phosphorylation pathway described in Sect. 1.1.3.

  6. 6.

    Recombinant DNA molecules are DNA molecules engineered to assemble genetic material from multiple sources, creating sequences that would not otherwise be found in biological organisms.

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  1. Department of Materials Science and Physical Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

    Oriol Güell

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Güell, O. (2017). Cellular Metabolism at the Systems Level. In: A Network-Based Approach to Cell Metabolism. Springer Theses. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-64000-6_1

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