(CftB) Chapter 13 - Chemical reactions 2: reaction mechanisms driving the chemistry of life

Question 1

What term is used to describe all the chemical reactions that take place within a cell?

Answer 1

Metabolism

Introduction

Question 2

“Large molecules such as ______ , ________, and ______ are broken down into smaller molecules by a series of reactions known as _________”.

Answer 2

carbohydrates; proteins; fats; catabolism

Introduction

Question 3

Apart from small molecules what other product is produced by the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins?

Answer 3

Energy

Introduction

Question 4

What is the series of chemical reactions called that involve synthesis of complex molecules like DNA, proteins, and lipids using energy from catabolic reactions?

Answer 4

Anabolic reactions

Anabolic reactions are reactions that involve small molecules combining to form larger molecules aided by energy from catabolic reactions.

Catabolic reactions are reactions that involve the breakdown of large molecules producing small molecules and energy.

Introduction

Question 5

What is meant by the transition state of a chemical reaction?

Answer 5

The transition state of a reaction is a high-energy unstable species. It is neither the reactant or product of the chemical reaction. It marks the point of a chemical reaction where energy is at its highest. It also represents the energy barrier to produce products from reactants.

In the transition state species, some of its bonds are partially broken and others are partially formed with new atoms. The transition state has an equal probability of becoming a reactant or product.

13.1 An introduction to reaction mechanisms

Transition states and intermediates