1.6 Metabolism Flashcards
Define metabolism
The biochemical reactions that occur in a living organism in order to keep it alive.
What are the two types of metabolic pathways
Catabolic and anabolic
What are catabolic pathways
Pathways that involve the breakdown of large complex molecules into smaller more simple molecules - releasing energy
What are anabolic pathways
Pathways which build up large complex molecules from smaller simple molecules - requiring energy
What can metabolic pathways have
Reversible and irreversible steps
What can enzymes be
Extracellular and intracellular
Properties of enzymes
Lower the activation energy required for a reaction to take place. Speed up the rate of reaction. Remain unchanged at end of reaction. Made of protein. They are specific. Work by induced fit
How many substrates will an enzymes active site work with?
Only ONE
What are the molecules of the substrate said to be
Complementary in shape to the enzymes active site
Describe the induced fit model
The active site is flexible and changes very slight when the substrate enters. Allows it to fit more closely around the substrate. Reduces activation energy.
What factors affect enzyme activity
Temperature, pH and substrate concentration
How can mentaboliv pathways be controlled
Gene expression or regulation of enzyme action.
How can enzymes regulate metabolic pathways
Signal molecules and inhibitors
How do signal molecules control metabolic pathways
Trigger a series of events within a cell
How do inhibitors regulate enzyme action
Decrease the rate of enzyme action
