Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
12:47
Workflow Based on the Combination of Isotopic Tracer Experiments to Investigate Microbial Metabolism of Multiple Nutrient Sources
Published on: January 22, 2018
From bit to it: how a complex metabolic network transforms information into living matter
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Building Y27, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland. aw@bioc.uzh.ch
BMC Systems Biology
|August 1, 2007
Summary
Yeast cells
Area of Science:
- Cellular biology
- Systems biology
- Information theory
Background:
- Organisms rely on environmental information for survival and reproduction.
- Metabolic networks convert nutrients into biomass, influencing cellular fitness.
- Efficient nutrient information processing enhances cell division rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between information accuracy and cellular fitness in yeast.
- To determine the theoretical limits of information processing in microbial growth.
Main Methods:
- Metabolic Flux Balance Analysis (FBA).
- Information-theoretic calculations (bits).
- Analysis of biomass yield and cell division rate as fitness indicators.
Main Results:
- Yeast's ability to sense nutrient availability correlates logarithmically with fitness.
- High accuracy (over 22 bits) is required for optimal growth, which may be practically unattainable.
- Natural selection might be limited in maximizing cellular information processing.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic network analysis offers a quantitative, information-theoretic view of cellular biology.
- Fundamental limits may exist for natural selection in optimizing cellular information processing.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Introduction to Metabolism
Metabolism encompasses all biochemical reactions in a living organism, facilitating both the breakdown and synthesis of biomolecules. These metabolic processes are categorized into catabolic and anabolic pathways, which operate in a coordinated manner to ensure energy balance and cellular function.Catabolic Pathways and Energy ReleaseCatabolic pathways involve the breakdown of complex macromolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins into smaller structures like monosaccharides, fatty...
01:40Overview of Metabolism
Living cells constantly carry out various chemical reactions which are necessary for their proper functioning. These reactions are interlinked to one another via multiple pathways. The collection of these chemical reactions is known as metabolism.
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
00:52What is Metabolism?
Overview
01:10Sugars as Energy Storage Molecules
Sugar (a simple carbohydrate) metabolism (chemical reactions) is a classic example of the many cellular processes that use and produce energy. Living things consume sugar as a major energy source because sugar molecules have considerable energy stored within their bonds. Consumed carbohydrates have their origins in photosynthesizing organisms like plants. During photosynthesis, plants use the energy of sunlight to convert carbon dioxide gas into sugar molecules, like glucose. Because this...
01:24Biosynthesis in Bacteria
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,...
01:23Dietary Connections
In biological systems, most metabolic pathways are interconnected. The cellular respiration processes that convert glucose to ATP—such as glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, and the citric acid cycle—tie into those that break down other organic compounds. As a result, various foods—from apples to cheese to guacamole—end up as ATP. In addition to carbohydrates, food also contains proteins and lipids—such as cholesterol and fats. All of these organic compounds are used as energy sources to produce...