Chapter 10: Microbial Metabolism Flashcards
What does metabolism refer to?
A) Only physical workings of the cell
B) Only chemical reactions in the cell
C) Both chemical reactions and physical workings of the cell
D) The process of breaking down macromolecules into smaller molecules
C) Both chemical reactions and physical workings of the cell
Explanation: Metabolism encompasses all chemical reactions as well as the physical workings of the cell, which includes both the synthesis of molecules (anabolism) and their breakdown (catabolism).
Fill in the Blank: _______ is a process that results in the synthesis of cell molecules and structures, usually requiring the input of energy.
A) Metabolism
B) Catabolism
C) Anabolism
D) ATP
C) Anabolism
Explanation: Anabolism refers to the part of metabolism that builds up larger molecules from smaller ones, often requiring energy in the form of ATP.
True or False: Catabolism typically requires energy input to break down molecules.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: Catabolic reactions break the bonds of larger molecules into smaller ones and often release energy, rather than requiring it.
What is critical to the metabolism process?
A) Protein synthesis
B) Electron transfer
C) Oxygen
D) Water
B) Electron transfer
Explanation: Electrons play a critical role in metabolism; they are transferred from external sources to internal carriers and eventually used to produce energy through a series of proteins that harvest energy.
Fill in the Blank: During metabolism, energy is collected and spent in the form of _____ or heat.
A) Glucose
B) ATP
C) Lipids
D) Proteins
B) ATP
Explanation: ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the main energy currency of the cell. Metabolism involves the collection and expenditure of energy in the form of ATP or heat.
What role do enzymes play in a microbial cell?
A) They serve as a blueprint for running metabolic reactions.
B) They act as catalysts to speed up the rate of chemical reactions.
C) They provide the basic building materials for the cell.
D) They store energy for cellular processes.
B) They act as catalysts to speed up the rate of chemical reactions.
Explanation: Enzymes are catalysts that increase the rate of chemical reactions in the cell without being consumed by the reaction.
True or False: Enzymes create new chemical reactions in the cell.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: Enzymes do not create reactions; they accelerate existing chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required.
Enzymes can increase the rate of a reaction, such as the breakdown of urea, by a factor of _____ times compared to an uncatalyzed reaction.
A) 100
B) 1000
C) 1 million
D) 100 trillion
D) 100 trillion
Explanation: Enzymes can significantly increase the rate of chemical reactions, as exemplified by the enzyme urease which can accelerate the breakdown of urea by a factor of 100 trillion.
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of enzymes?
A) They can be recycled and function in low concentrations.
B) They are much smaller in size than their substrates.
C) They have an active site for target molecules.
D) They are not used up or permanently changed by the reaction.
B) They are much smaller in size than their substrates.
Explanation: Enzymes are typically much larger in size than their substrates, which allows them to have active sites where substrates can bind.
True or False: Enzymes are permanently changed after they catalyze a reaction.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: Enzymes are not permanently changed or used up by the reaction they catalyze; they can be reused multiple times.
Enzymes are greatly affected by _____ and _____.
A) Temperature; pressure
B) Temperature; pH
C) pH; concentration
D) Concentration; pressure
B) Temperature; pH
Explanation: The activity of enzymes is highly sensitive to changes in temperature and pH, which can alter their structure and function.
What is required to initiate a chemical reaction, which is lowered by enzymes to speed up the reaction rate?
A) Enzymatic energy
B) Activation energy
C) Kinetic energy
D) Potential energy
B) Activation energy
Explanation: Activation energy is the initial energy needed to start a reaction. Enzymes lower the activation energy, allowing the reaction to proceed more quickly.
True or False: Increasing the concentration of reactants is the most practical way to speed up reactions in living systems.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: In most living systems, increasing the temperature or the concentration of reactants is not feasible or practical. Catalysts, like enzymes, are used instead to lower the activation energy of reactions.
Enzymes work by _______ the rate of molecular collisions without the need for increasing thermal energy or reactant concentration.
Increasing
Explanation: Enzymes speed up reactions by increasing the rate of molecular collisions, acting as a catalyst.
What is NOT a method to overcome the activation energy in a reaction?
A) Heating the system
B) Increasing reactant concentration
C) Using a catalyst
D) Cooling the system
D) Cooling the system
Explanation: Cooling the system would typically slow down the reactions rather than overcoming the activation energy. Heating, increasing reactant concentration, and using a catalyst are methods that can overcome activation energy.
True or False: An enzyme becomes part of the reaction products after the reaction occurs.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: Although an enzyme binds to the substrate and participates in the reaction, it is not consumed or becomes a part of the products; it can be reused.
Fill in the Blank: The enzyme catalase can convert its substrates at a rate of several ______ per second.
Million
Explanation: Enzymes like catalase can operate at very high speeds, converting substrates at the rate of several million per second.
What are the two main types of enzymes?
A) Simple and Complex
B) Simple and Conjugated
C) Active and Inactive
D) Protein and RNA
B) Simple and Conjugated
Explanation: Simple enzymes consist of protein alone, while conjugated enzymes are composed of protein and nonprotein molecules or ions, known as cofactors.
True or False: All enzymes are made of proteins.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: While most enzymes are proteins, there exists a type of enzyme made of RNA, known as ribozymes.
Fill in the Blank: The protein component of a conjugated enzyme is called an _______.
Apoenzyme
Explanation: The protein part of a conjugated enzyme is referred to as the apoenzyme.
What is the role of cofactors in conjugated enzymes?
A) They provide energy for the enzyme action.
B) They stabilize the enzyme structure.
C) They act as the active site for substrates.
D) They are nonprotein molecules that help the enzyme function.
D) They are nonprotein molecules that help the enzyme function.
Explanation: Cofactors are nonprotein molecules or ions that bind to the apoenzyme to form the active enzyme (holoenzyme) and help in its function.
True or False: Catalase, an enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide, requires a metallic cofactor.
A) True
B) False
A) True
Explanation: Catalase is an example of an enzyme that requires a metallic cofactor, specifically iron, to function properly.
Fill in the Blank: _______ are enzymes made of RNA that catalyze reactions on other RNA molecules.
Ribozymes
Explanation: Ribozymes are RNA molecules with catalytic properties, which are thought to be remnants of the earliest molecules on Earth.
What historical hypothesis is supported by the discovery of ribozymes?
A) Protein World Hypothesis
B) DNA World Hypothesis
C) RNA World Hypothesis
D) Lipid World Hypothesis
C) RNA World Hypothesis
Explanation: The discovery of ribozymes supports the RNA World Hypothesis, which posits that RNA was the first genetic material in ancient cells.
What is the range of molecular weight for apoenzymes?
A) 100 to 1,000
B) 1,000 to 12,000
C) 12,000 to 1 million
D) 1 million to 10 million
C) 12,000 to 1 million
Explanation: Apoenzymes can range from small polypeptides with a molecular weight of about 12,000 to large polypeptide conglomerates with a molecular weight of over 1 million.
True or False: Apoenzymes only exhibit primary and secondary structures.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: Apoenzymes, like all proteins, exhibit multiple levels of molecular complexity, including primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.
The actual site where the substrate binds on an apoenzyme is called the _______ site.
B) Active
Explanation: The active site, also known as the catalytic site, is the specific region on an apoenzyme where the substrate binds.
How many active sites can an apoenzyme have?
A) Only one
B) One or several
C) Always two
D) More than ten
B) One or several
Explanation: An apoenzyme can have one or several active sites where substrates bind to undergo a chemical reaction.
True or False: The primary structure of an enzyme does not affect its active site.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: The primary structure of an enzyme, which is the unique sequence and number of amino acids, directly affects the folding and thus the unique active sites of the enzyme.
Fill in the Blank: The three-dimensional shape of an enzyme’s active site is formed by the way the _______ chains are folded.
Amino acid
Explanation: The three-dimensional shape of an enzyme, including its active sites, is determined by the folding of amino acid chains.
The fit between an enzyme and its substrate is often described as:
A) Slip-and-slide
B) Lock-and-key
C) Push-and-pull
D) Hit-and-miss
B) Lock-and-key
Explanation: The “lock-and-key” model describes the high specificity of the enzyme’s active site as a perfect fit for the substrate, similar to a key fitting into a lock.
True or False: Enzyme-substrate interactions can happen very slowly, often taking several minutes per reaction.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: Enzyme-substrate interactions can occur very quickly, up to millions of times per second, facilitating rapid biological processes.
Fill in the Blank: Once the enzyme-substrate complex is formed, the enzyme participates directly in breaking or making bonds, and this state is known as the _______ state.
Transition
Explanation: The transition state refers to the temporary but tight union between the enzyme and substrate during which the enzyme actively participates in the chemical reaction.
What happens after the enzyme completes the reaction with the substrate?
A) The enzyme is consumed.
B) The enzyme becomes inactive.
C) The enzyme releases the products and can bind to another substrate.
D) The enzyme permanently bonds with the product.
C) The enzyme releases the products and can bind to another substrate.
Explanation: After the reaction, the enzyme releases the newly formed products and remains unchanged, ready to catalyze another reaction with a new substrate molecule.
True or False: For a reaction to occur, the substrate must change the shape of the enzyme’s active site to fit.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: The enzyme’s active site is already a specific shape to fit the substrate, not the other way around, following the lock-and-key model.
Fill in the Blank: The enzyme can attach to another substrate molecule and repeat the action after the _______ is formed and released.
Product
Explanation: After the enzyme-substrate complex leads to the reaction and the product is formed and released, the enzyme is free to attach to another substrate molecule and catalyze a new reaction.
What is the role of metal cofactors in enzyme activity?
A) They decrease the enzyme’s activity.
B) They provide structural stability to enzymes.
C) They help with precise functions between the enzyme and its substrate.
D) They store energy for enzyme reactions.
C) They help with precise functions between the enzyme and its substrate.
Explanation: Metal cofactors, such as iron, copper, magnesium, and others, activate enzymes, help bring the active site and substrate together, and participate in chemical reactions.
True or False: Coenzymes are the only type of cofactor that enzymes require.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: Coenzymes are one type of cofactor, and enzymes may also require metal ions as cofactors to assist in their functions.
Fill in the Blank: _______ are one of the most important kinds of coenzymes and are vital for nutrition and growth in living organisms.
Vitamins
Explanation: Vitamins are crucial coenzymes that assist enzyme function and are required for nutrition and may be necessary as growth factors for living things.
What is the general function of a coenzyme?
A) To provide energy for enzyme reactions.
B) To remove and transfer a chemical group from one substrate to another.
C) To make the enzyme’s active site more specific.
D) To bind permanently to enzymes.
B) To remove and transfer a chemical group from one substrate to another.
Explanation: Coenzymes typically act as transient carriers, removing a chemical group from one substrate molecule and adding it to another, thus aiding the enzyme in performing its function.
True or False: Vitamin deficiencies have no effect on the formation of holoenzymes.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: Vitamin deficiencies can prevent the complete holoenzyme from forming since vitamins are essential coenzymes that contribute to the active enzyme structure.
Metal cofactors, such as iron and copper, activate enzymes and help bring the active site and substrate close together, ensuring that _______.
chemical reactions proceed efficiently
Explanation: Metal cofactors are critical in activating enzymes and facilitating the efficient proceeding of chemical reactions between enzymes and substrates.
What do oxidoreductases enzymes do?
A) Transfer electrons from one substrate to another.
B) Transfer functional groups from one substrate to another.
C) Cleave bonds on molecules with the addition of water.
D) Catalyze the formation of bonds with the input of ATP.
A) Transfer electrons from one substrate to another.
Explanation: Oxidoreductases are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of electrons from one molecule (the reductant) to another (the oxidant), which is a type of redox reaction.
True or False: Isomerases catalyze the rearrangement of bonds within the same molecule.
A) True
B) False
A) True
Explanation: Isomerases are enzymes that convert a molecule from one isomeric form to another, which involves the rearrangement of bonds within that molecule.
_______ enzymes catalyze the breaking of various chemical bonds by means of water addition.
Hydrolases
Explanation: Hydrolases are a class of enzymes that cleave bonds on molecules by the addition of water, such as in the digestion of food.
What is the function of ligases?
A) To change a substrate into its isomeric form.
B) To add or remove groups from double-bonded substrates.
C) To catalyze the formation of bonds with the input of ATP and removal of water.
D) To transfer functional groups from one substrate to another.
C) To catalyze the formation of bonds with the input of ATP and removal of water.
Explanation: Ligases are enzymes that can join two large molecules together, often requiring energy from ATP and typically accompanied by the removal of water.
True or False: Transferases are enzymes that transfer functional groups from ATP to substrates.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: Transferases are enzymes that transfer functional groups from one substrate to another, not necessarily involving ATP.
Fill in the Blank: The enzyme that digests fats is known as _______.
Lipase
Explanation: Lipases are enzymes that break down fats and lipids, often working in the digestive system to process dietary lipids.
An enzyme that digests carbohydrates is called a(n):
A) Protease
B) Amylase
C) Lipase
D) DNAse
B) Amylase
Explanation: Amylase is a type of carbohydrase enzyme that acts on starch (amylose) and breaks it down into simpler sugars.
What is the action of the enzyme lactase?
A) It synthesizes lactose from glucose and galactose.
B) It breaks lactose down into glucose and galactose.
C) It hydrolyzes the beta-lactam ring of lactose.
D) It catalyzes the reduction of lactose.
B) It breaks lactose down into glucose and galactose.
Explanation: Lactase, a hydrolase enzyme, specifically breaks the disaccharide lactose into its monosaccharide components, glucose and galactose.
True or False: Penicillinase catalyzes the formation of penicillin.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: Penicillinase, also known as beta-lactamase, is a hydrolase enzyme that breaks down penicillin by hydrolyzing its beta-lactam ring, not forming it.
Fill in the Blank: DNA polymerase is an enzyme that synthesizes a strand of DNA using _______ as a model.
The complementary DNA strand
Explanation: DNA polymerase is a transferase enzyme that synthesizes DNA by adding nucleotides to a new strand using the complementary strand as a template.
What is the function of lactate dehydrogenase?
A) It converts lactate to pyruvic acid.
B) It converts pyruvic acid to ethanol.
C) It converts pyruvic acid to lactate.
D) It converts glucose to lactate.
C) It converts pyruvic acid to lactate.
Explanation: Lactate dehydrogenase is an oxidoreductase enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of pyruvic acid to lactic acid in the process of fermentation.
True or False: Oxidase is responsible for the addition of oxygen to substrates.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: Oxidase, specifically cytochrome oxidase, is an oxidoreductase that catalyzes the reduction of molecular oxygen (O2) by adding electrons and hydrogen, not by adding oxygen to other substrates.
What is the role of oxidoreductase enzymes in the cell?
A) They remove electrons from one substrate and add them to another.
B) They catalyze the transfer of oxygen atoms.
C) They synthesize new molecules.
D) They break down molecules without changing electron states.
A) They remove electrons from one substrate and add them to another.
Explanation: Oxidoreductase enzymes are involved in oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions within the cell, where they transfer electrons from one molecule (oxidation) to another (reduction).
True or False: In a redox reaction, the compound that gains electrons is said to be oxidized.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: In redox reactions, the compound that gains electrons is reduced, not oxidized. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons.
Fill in the Blank: _______ and _______ are common coenzyme carriers involved in redox reactions in the cell.
A) ATP and ADP
B) NAD+ and FAD
C) Glucose and fructose
D) Amino acids and nucleotides
B) NAD+ and FAD
Explanation: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) are coenzymes that act as electron carriers in oxidation-reduction reactions.
What does the compound that loses electrons in a redox reaction become?
A) Reduced
B) Hydrolyzed
C) Oxidized
D) Ligated
C) Oxidized
Explanation: In redox reactions, the compound that loses electrons undergoes oxidation, hence it is termed as being oxidized.
True or False: Redox reactions are uncommon and insignificant in cellular metabolism.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: Oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions are common and critically important in the cell, playing a major role in the metabolism.
Where do exoenzymes perform their functions?
A) Inside the cell where they were produced.
B) Outside the cell where they were produced.
C) On the cell surface only.
D) In the cell nucleus.
B) Outside the cell where they were produced.
Explanation: Exoenzymes are transported extracellularly to perform their tasks, such as breaking down large food molecules or harmful chemicals outside the cell.
True or False: Endoenzymes function outside the cell.
A) True
B) False
B) False
Explanation: Endoenzymes function inside the cell. They are involved in most of the metabolic pathways that occur within the cell.
Fill in the Blank: Enzymes that are always present and produced in relatively constant amounts regardless of the cellular environment are called _______ enzymes.
Constitutive
Explanation: Constitutive enzymes are produced continuously in a cell and are not influenced by changes in the cellular environment.