Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1988

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Chemistry

First Advisor

William S. Wadsworth, Jr.

Abstract

The transfer of energy and its conversion from one form to another are very important in biological systems. Mammals use energy to control their environment, i.e. keeping warm and physical activity, whereas bacteria use energy primarily in chemical synthesis for their very existence as a life form depends upon rapid reproduction. There are two original sources of energy: light and oxygen, Oz. Photosynthesis and oxidative metabolism convert these energy sources via photosynthetic phosphorylation and oxidative phosphorylation into ATP (Adenine Triphosphate), which is in effect the molecular repository of energy. Thus, high energy phosphates (compounds which hydrolyze with a large negative free energy) are very important to biological systems. Acyl phosphates are mixed anhydrides of carboxylic acids and phosphoric acids. They are very important members of the group of high energy phosphate compounds found in biological system. They act as mediators in the transfer of energy and. are important biological acylating and phosphorylating agents. A study of the chemistry of this group of compounds is important if we are to understand how cells create and use energy.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Isomerization

Phosphates

Energy transfer

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

83

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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