1.

89, Environmental Microbiology

Prof. Martin Polz
Lecture 8

Biosynthesis & Fueling

1. Energy: all energy generation in biological systems is based on Redox reactions.

e- - donor e- - acceptor

2 }
Example: H2 + 1 O2 → H2O can separate into 1 reactions
2
- +
+ H2 → 2e + 2H
1 O2 + 2e- → O2-2
2

Electron tower= conceptualization for quick assessment about whether energy

generation from specific combinations is possible.
1 reactions according to reduction potential E' (per e- )
2 o

AG = -n E'o F = -nEF
Faraday constant
Reduction potential
Number of e- transferred in full reaction

(oxidized on left, reduced on right)

Energy currency: ATP

Between CM and e-
transport chain (want want reduced form
oxidized form)

Electron carriers: NADH (fueling reactions) & NADPH (biosynthesis reactions)

One goal of • NAD+/NADH → often is half reaction in the oxidation of C-substrates inside
metabolism is to
regenerate these the cell
compounds • NADP+/NADPH → reductant in biosynthesis

Energy generation/use & carbon flow within cells:

• In bacteria, you need to conceptually separate energy & carbon flow

Carbon:
o Heterotrophy: biomass generated from organic carbon.
o Autotrophy: biomass generated from CO2.

Energy:
o Chemotrophy: energy derived from oxidation of (organic or inorganic)
chemicals.
o Phototrophy: energy derived from light.

1.89, Environmental Microbiology Lecture 8

Prof. Martin Polz Page 1 of 3
 A. Chemoheterotrophy
Cell
external e- acceptor (is oxygen for humans)
CO2
Aox
Ared
ox NAD+
e- transport chain ++
ATP (energy lost)
- H+
C - Compounds - +
H+
NADH
-- +
Central +
metabolism NADPH +
- +
H ATPases
ATP
+
NADP macromolecules
12 precursors

building blocks

exception – fermentation

Energy currency – ATP

2 mechanisms of ATP generation

1. e- transport chain phosphorylation: electrochemical gradient across

membrane is equilibrated through ATPases → synthesize ATP (reversible!)

2. substrate level phosphorylation in cell membrane has 3 phosphorylated

intermediates → can transfer ~ P to ADP

B. Photoautotrophy
ATPases

Light
+
H
Dox e-

External e­ donor Dred

(H2O)
NADPH
ATP
H+
(same reactions as
NADP+ chemoautotroph)
CO2 Glucose Central
metabolism
ATP ATP + Pi

• NADPH comes from a reaction in which light energy is used to drive the e-
transport chain
• NADH → involved in respiration & fermentation
• NADPH → involved in biosynthesis reactions

1.89, Environmental Microbiology Lecture 8

Prof. Martin Polz Page 2 of 3
 Autotrophs just start a little earlier with CO2. Autotrophs fix CO2 into organic C
(example glucose), which is then converted to 12 precursors (or also respired
during darkness) via central metabolism. Autotrophs have central metabolism,
like heterotrophs.

Central Metabolism

4 sets of reactions: Glycolysis (EMP pathway)

C6

Pentose phosphate shunt: C4 and C5

(biosynthetic function only)

2C3

Linker
CO2
reaction

2C2
TCA 4CO2

1.89, Environmental Microbiology Lecture 8

Prof. Martin Polz Page 3 of 3