BIO EXAM 2 Flashcards
organic molecules produced by living organisms
Biomolecules
Energy sources and sustained energy released
Carbohydrates
Energy storage and insulation
Lipids
Function as enzymes, hormones, and transports, muscles growth
Proteins
Storing and transmitting genetic blue print
Nucleic Acid
is a common concern for vegans. This essential vitamin is primarily found in animal products, and its deficiency can lead to various health issues, including anemia and nerve damage. Lack of the vitamin as cofactor
Vitamin B12
Many __________ function as coenzymes, which are non-protein molecules that bind to enzymes and help them function properly. When a ________ is deficient, the enzyme may not be able to bind to its substrate or catalyze the reaction efficiently.
Vitamin
Essential for healthy vision, especially in low-light conditions.
Vitamin A
Helps convert carbohydrates into energy.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
are biological catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions within living organisms.
Enzymes
Enzymes reduce the energy required to initiate a chemical reaction. This allows reactions to occur more quickly and efficiently at body temperature.
Lower the Activation Energy
By lowering the activation energy, enzymes significantly increase the rate of chemical reactions. This is crucial for maintaining life processes. As the substrate concentration increases, the rate of the enzyme-catalyzed reaction also increases.
Increase Reaction Rate
Each enzyme has an optimal temperature at which it functions best. This is the temperature at which the enzyme’s structure is most stable and its catalytic activity is highest. Example: Optimal pH for pepsin is 2
Optimal Temperature (pH)
- is a series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that occur in a cell.
Metabolic Pathway
have a similar structure to the substrate molecule. This allows them to compete with the substrate for binding to the enzyme’s active site. By occupying the active site, competitive inhibitors prevent the substrate from binding, thus reducing the enzyme’s activity
Competitive inhibitors
They can help the enzyme recognize and bind to its substrate.
Assisting in substrate binding
They can donate or accept functional groups needed for the reaction.
Providing additional chemical groups for catalysis
They can help maintain the enzyme’s 3D shape, which is crucial for its function.
Stabilizing the enzyme structure
releases a significant amount of energy, which can be directly coupled to endergonic reactions to provide the necessary energy input.
ATP hydrolysis
Primary energy currency of cells
ATP
is the process by which cells break down glucose to produce energy in the form of ATP.
Cellular respiration
Pyruvate is further oxidized, generating more ATP, NADH, and FADH2. This process occurs in the mitochondria.
Krebs Cycle
Glucose is broken down into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP. This process occurs in the cytoplasm and does not require oxygen.
Glycolysis
.NADH and FADH2 donate electrons to the ETC, which pumps protons across the mitochondrial membrane. This creates a proton gradient that drives ATP synthesis through ATP synthase.
Overall Reaction: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP
Electron Transport Chain (ETC)
less efficient and occurs when oxygen is not available. It primarily involves glycolysis followed by fermentation.
Anaerobic Respiration
Pyruvate is converted into lactic acid. This process occurs in muscle cells during intense exercise.
Lactic Acid Fermentation
Pyruvate is converted into ethanol and carbon dioxide. This process is used by yeast and some bacteria to produce alcohol and bread.
Alcoholic Fermentation
