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General Biology > Chapter 5 > Flashcards

Chapter 5 Flashcards

An Introduction to Metabolism

1
Q

Basic Characteristic of Life

A

Use Energy

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2
Q

The Energy of Life

A

Takes energy to do work

The living cell is a miniature chemical factory where thousands of reactions occur

Cells extract energy stored in sugars and other fuels and applies energy to perform work

Some organisms even convert energy to light, as in bioluminescence

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3
Q

Metabolism

A 
Anabolic pathways (biosynthesis)
Use energy; to build things

Catabolic pathways
Create energy; breaking things apart

Bioenergetics

Without metabolism = dead

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4
Q

1st Law of Thermodynamics

A

Constant, not changing

The energy of the universe is constant

Energy can be transferred and transformed but it cannot be created or destroyed

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5
Q

Entropy

A

Natural disorder

Nothing naturally wants to organise

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6
Q

2nd Law of Thermodynamics

A

With each energy conversion, some energy is lost to randomness
Randomness breaks down, heat, etc.

Disorder is always increasing

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7
Q

Free-Energy Change

A

Change in free energy = total change in energy - temperature x change in entropy

Work required for action

Measured of whether or not a reaction can occur spontaneously

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8
Q

Exergonic Reactions

A

Spontaneous

Don’t need help to react

Reaction gives off energy
Low energy products
Extra energy released into environment

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9
Q

Endergonic Reactions

A

Not spontaneous

Needs energy put in

High energy level products

Positive

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10
Q

Equilibrium

A

Cells/people (no living system) can NEVER be at equilibrium

In an isolated environment reactions reach equilibrium

Metabolism is never at equilibrium

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11
Q

Coupling Endergonic/Exergonic Reactions

A

Cells carry out work

Couple an exergonic to an endergonic reaction
One provides the energy for the other
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) - stored energy from exergonic other ways to generate ATP

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12
Q

ATP

A

Is the energy carrier molecule

“Delivers” energy by dropping off the phosphate group and the energy

Sodium Potassium Pump concept

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13
Q

Phosphorylation

A

The addition of a phosphate group and energy to a molecule

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14
Q

Enzymes

A

Makes reactions easier to proceed

Phosphorylation for energy help reaction proceed
Enzyme not used up / not used in reaction
Catalytic

Speeds up metabolic reactions by lowering energy barriers

Catalytic

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15
Q

Catalyst

A

Chemical agent that speeds up a reaction without being consumed by the reaction

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16
Q

Catalytic Enzymes

A

Exergonic reaction - releasing energy

Little bit of work to get it started

Energy reduced for reaction

17
Q

Active Site

A

Enzymes have specific active sites can have more than one

18
Q

Optimal Temperature and pH

A

pH can effect enzymes

Depending on location and environment enzymes have varying optimal conditions for activity

19
Q

Cofactors

A

Assists with speeding up enzyme reaction

Non-protein helpers
Fe, Zn, Cu, Mg in ionic form
Metal ions

Can be bound tightly or loosely associated

20
Q

Co-enzyme

A

Cofactor that is a biological molecule

Vitamins important as they act as co-enzymes or the raw materials for co-enzymes

21
Q

Enzyme Inhibitors

A

Acid Reflux; regulate glucose/insulin; bacterial infections

Two main types:
Competitive
Non-competitive

22
Q

Competitive Inhibitor

A

Takes substrate place
Can be binding right or wrong

Mimic natural substrate, bind in its place

23
Q

Non-competitive Inhibitor

A

Not binding in active site
Changing shape

Bind to enzyme and prevent activity

24
Q

Feedback Inhibition

A

End product of an enzymatic reaction acts as an inhibitor

Prevents reaction from taking place when it’s not needed

Prevents waste of energy

25
Q

Organization of Enzymes

A

Organization placed where needed

Not randomly located throughout cell

Facilitates rapid diffusion and binding of products from enzymatic reactions

General Biology (7 decks)

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