MBB Lecture 1

What is the cell? The cell is a [blank_start]unit of life[blank_end]

The Stanley Miller experiment was created to investigate how large and [blank_start]complex organic[blank_end] compounds were formed. It consisted of a [blank_start]closed system[blank_end] containing inorganic gases such as methane, ammonia and CO2 to represent a [blank_start]prehistoric[blank_end] earth atmosphere. He then added [blank_start]boiling water[blank_end] and heat. The gases came [blank_start]together[blank_end] to form more complex organic molecules.

Spontaneous lipid assembly

We then need a [blank_start]controlled flow[blank_end] of molecules through the membrane via protein gates for sugars, amino acids ions and others.

A cell must be able to [blank_start]replicate[blank_end] and divide, [blank_start]DNA[blank_end] is the cellular blueprint. It undergoes replication, transcription and translation. Overall cells are a mix of macromolecules and small molecules surrounded by a membrane. The building plan is contained on DNA and multiplication is achieved by [blank_start]division[blank_end].

A bacterial cell is [blank_start]30%[blank_end] chemicals [blank_start]70%[blank_end] H2O [blank_start]15%[blank_end] Proteins [blank_start]6%[blank_end] RNA [blank_start]4%[blank_end] ions and small molecules [blank_start]2%[blank_end] phospholipids [blank_start]1%[blank_end] DNA [blank_start]2.%[blank_end] Polysaccharides

CO2 (carbon dioxide) and N2 (atmospheric nitrogen) must be converted into [blank_start]organic[blank_end] form by [blank_start]photosynthesis[blank_end] and nitrogen [blank_start]fixation[blank_end]. [blank_start]Legumes[blank_end] fix nitrogen in their root [blank_start]nodules[blank_end]. • Nucleic acids: [blank_start]information[blank_end] storage and transfer • Proteins: enzymes and [blank_start]structural[blank_end] proteins, [blank_start]transporters[blank_end], regulators • Lipids: building blocks for [blank_start]membranes[blank_end], [blank_start]fat[blank_end], signalling • Carbohydrates: Structural role, energy [blank_start]storage[blank_end], signalling • Different energy sources: [blank_start]light[blank_end], organic and inorganic molecules • Importance of CO2 and N2 fixation