2.1 Metabolic Pathways Flashcards
What is an enzyme
A biological catalyst that speeds up a chemical reaction
What is metabolism
the biochemical process that life depends on
What are metabolic pathways
integrated and controlled pathways of enzyme-catalysed reactions within a cell
What is catabolism
Breaking down larger molecules into smaller molecules and releasing energy
What is anabolism
Building up smaller molecules into larger molecules and requiring energy
What are irreversible steps in metabolic pathways
Key regulatory points in the pathway, after that point substrates cannot be converted back
What are reversible steps in metabolic pathways
If too much substrate builds up it allows it to be converted back to the previous substrate
What are alternative routes in metabolic pathways
When substrate is plentiful or in short supply it can bypass steps in order to conserve energy
What is the function of the cell membrane
Separates internal compartments of cells from the external environment
What are the three types of protein that can be found in the cell membrane
Pores pumps enzymes
What are pores
Channel forming proteins form pores to allow movement across the cell membrane
What us active transport
The movement of molecules from a low concentration to a high concentration across the phospholipid bilayer
What are pumps `
they recognise the specific molecules and transports them across the membrane
What is activation energy
The initial input of energy
What effect do enzymes have on activation energy
The reduce it which conserves energy and speeds up the reaction
