Biochemistry Option B: B1 Introduction to Biochemistry

Question 1

Define metabolism

Answer 1

Metabolism is all the chemical processes that take place within a living organism to maintain life.

Question 2

Define Anabolism

Answer 2

Anabolism is the biosynthesis of complex molecules from simpler units that usually requires energy.

Question 3

Define Catabolism

Answer 3

Catabolism is the breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms into simpler units that is usually accompanied by the release of energy.

Question 4

Define metabolic pathway

Answer 4

A metabolic pathway is a biochemical transformation of a molecule through a series of intermediates (metabolites) into the final product.

Question 5

What drives anabolism?

Answer 5

Anabolic reactions increase the complexity and order of biochemical systems and thus reduce their entropy. Such processes
cannot be spontaneous; they require energy, which is supplied by catabolic reactions or in photosynthesis (received in the form of light from sun)