2.5 Flashcards
What is cell metabolism?
The biochemical processes that take place within a cell to maintain life.
What are some examples of cell metabolism?
synthesis of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids, or the breakdown of compounds such as glucose.
How does the arrangement of the internal membrane of the mitochondria influence biochemical processes?
The inner membrane is folded to form cristae that increase the SA:V for the attachment of ATP synthase, which is required for aerobic respiration
How does the arrangement of the internal membrane of the chloroplast influence biochemical processes?
The internal system is full of flattened sacs called thylakoids which contain photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll. These pigments capture light energy for photosynthesis.
What are enzymes?
Globular proteins that are specific to a substrate, used to lower the activation energy and to catalyse a reaction.
What effects the efficiency of enzymes?
Temperature, pH, the presence of inhibitors
What are the products of glycolysis?
2x 3 carbon pyruvate and 2 ATP molecules
Define endergonic reactions
Reactions which join small molecules together to form large molecule products with more energy than the reactants
Define exergonic reactions
Reactions which break down large molecules into smaller molecules with less energy than the large molecules.
What is an example of an endergonic reaction?
Photosynthesis. An energy input is required and it takes small CO2 and H20 molecules and forms a large glucose molecule.
What is an example of an exergonic reaction?
Aerobic respiration. It takes larger compounds and breaks them down into smaller molecules with a release of ATP.
Cell metabolism can be influences by…
the nature and arrangement of internal membranes and the presence of enzymes
Cell Metabolism is critical to …
the survival of cells
How do cells exert control over their metabolic pathways?
by regulating their own enzyme activity, stopping or inhibiting one or more enzymes, and start the pathways by increasing enzyme concentration
What environmental factors affect metabolic pathways.
Temperature, pH, enzyme or substrate concentration, and enzyme inhibitors. Sometimes chemical substances from the environment are taken in and effect metabolic pathways.
