Chapter 12 - Energetics and Redox Reactions Flashcards
Metabolism
The sum of chemical reactions that occur within a cell.
Catabolism
breakdown of organic and inorganic molecules, used to release energy and derive molecules that could be used for reactions.
Anabolism
synthesis of more complex molecules from simpler organic and inorganic molecules, requires energy
Free Energy (G)
Energy available to do work
Three types of work?
Chemical work (anabolism), transport work (nutrient uptake, and mechanical work (rotation of the flagellum)
Change in free energy?
ΔG°’ - notation - which is the change in free energy under standard conditions
Positive ΔG°’
indicates that the reaction requires energy - endergonic
Negative ΔG°’
indicates that the reaction releases energy - exergonic - releases energy that can be conserved by the cell to do work
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
high-energy molecule used by cells for energy currency, donates phosphoryl group to other molecules.
What happens to ATP in exergonic reactions?
As the energy is released, the synthesis of ATP is driven from the addition of a phosphate molecule to adenosine diphosphate, or ADP
Orthophosphate
Pi
What happens to ATP in an endergonic reaction?
Requires energy and will couple the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP + Pi, using the released energy to drive the reaction.
Activation Energy
Energy required to break bonds
Catalyst
substance which assist the reaction to proceed without being changed themselves by the reaction
enzymes
a catalyst used by cells
Oxidation-Reduction reactions (Redox Reactions)
An electron is passed from an electron donor to an electron acceptor, as a way to conserve energy by coupling its synthesis to the release of energy
Oxidation
Loss of its electrons