Introduction to Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation

What the page covers

The resources follow the main routes of energy metabolism. Mind maps cover Glycolysis, Citric Acid Cycle, Oxidative Phosphorylation, Glycogen Metabolism, Ketone Bodies and the Urea cycle. Flashcard decks go into amino acid, lipid and protein metabolism, GLUT transporters and the starved state. There is also one deck titled MCAT lipid and amino acid metabolism, for anyone meeting that exam.

Where to start

Begin with the big picture, then narrow down.

1. Open the mind map called METABOLISM, then Metabolic pathways, to see how the routes connect.
2. Take the quiz The Fed and Fasting State. It asks which hormones raise blood glucose by inhibiting insulin.
3. Move on to the quiz Biochem - regulation of metabolism in the fed and fasting states, which asks what the fed state is and what controls the flow of intermediates.
4. Work through the TCA cycle with the quiz Anaerobic Metabolism - the TCA Cycle, which asks where the cycle takes place and why some cells cannot run it.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a mind map first, such as TCA Cycle, which covers regulation, oxidative decarboxylation and the way ATP inhibits the cycle. Then test yourself. If a question catches you out, go back to the branch of the map that covers it.

For harder practice, try Module 2 Set A (Pharmacy). It asks which enzymes bypass the pyruvate kinase step of glycolysis. The quiz Metabolic Regulation Years 2013-2009 suits later revision.

Where it fits

This unit sits in the Metabolism strand of Biochemistry. Its resources are all university level. They were made by GoConqr users, so styles and depth vary from one to the next.

Pick one pathway, work through its map and quiz, and see which gaps remain. Then add your own notes or flashcards on the parts you find slippery.