Steroid Biosynthesis

Steroid biosynthesis is the enzyme-mediated production of steroid hormones and other sterols from simpler precursors, a pathway that regulates development, metabolism, reproduction, and stress responses. In animals, it commonly begins with cholesterol, which is transported into mitochondria and converted through sequential reactions involving cytochrome P450 enzymes, hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, and related catalysts in mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. These reactions modify the steroid nucleus and side chains to generate glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, sex steroids, and other biologically active molecules. Studying this pathway helps explain endocrine function, identify causes of hormone imbalance, and support research into therapies that target steroid-producing tissues or metabolic enzymes.

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Research

JoVE EoE - Bacterial Growth and Techniques

Biosynthesis of Polyhydroxyalkanoates by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Carbon-Rich Medium

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2025

Begin with a strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, isolated from oil-contaminated soil, in a medium containing a nitrogen source and an excess of edible oil as the carbon source.This strain synthesizes polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a long-chain polymer useful in producing bioplastics.Incubate under agitation to facilitate aeration and promote bacterial growth.Initially, the medium supplies both carbon and nitrogen sources to support bacterial proliferation and generate high biomass.After...

Education

JoVE Core - Microbiology

Biosynthesis in Bacteria

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2025

Biosynthesis in bacteria is a fundamental anabolic process that generates essential macromolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and polysaccharides. These macromolecules are critical for cellular growth, replication, and function. The process is tightly regulated and energetically linked to catabolic pathways to ensure optimal resource utilization.Biosynthetic pathways begin with precursor metabolites such as pyruvate, acetyl-CoA, and glucose-6-phosphate derived from glycolysis,...

Biosynthesis of Polysaccharides

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2025

Polysaccharides such as glycogen and starch are synthesized from nucleoside diphosphate sugars, primarily uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPG) and adenosine diphosphate glucose (ADPG). These activated glucose donors act as key intermediates in carbohydrate metabolism and biosynthesis. UDPG primarily involves glycogen synthesis in animals and many bacteria, while ADPG plays a fundamental role in starch synthesis in plants and certain bacteria.UDPG is formed when glucose-1-phosphate reacts with...

Biosynthesis of Lipids

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2025

Microbial membranes exhibit remarkable diversity in lipid composition, reflecting evolutionary adaptations to various environmental conditions. The three domains of life—Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya—synthesize membrane lipids through distinct biosynthetic pathways, leading to fundamental structural differences that impact membrane stability, function, and adaptability.Fatty Acid-Based Lipids in Bacteria and EukaryaBacteria and eukaryotes share a common fatty acid biosynthesis pathway, which...

Biosynthesis of Nucleic Acids

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2025

Nucleic acid biosynthesis is a fundamental biochemical process that produces the purine and pyrimidine nucleotides essential for DNA and RNA synthesis. This pathway maintains a balanced nucleotide pool, preventing imbalances that could jeopardize genetic integrity and cellular function. Given the crucial role of nucleotides, their synthesis is tightly regulated to ensure proper cellular homeostasis.Purine BiosynthesisThe biosynthesis of purine nucleotides begins with ribose-5-phosphate, a...

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