Chapter 8 Flashcards
Define metabolism
the chemical reactions in the body’s cells that change food into energy
Describe anabolism and catabolism and how they are coupled.
Anabolism is the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones. These chemical reactions require energy. Catabolism is the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones. These reactions release energy.
Define adenosine triphosphate and describe how it is recharged by ADP/ATP cycling
ATP is like a charged battery, while ADP is like a dead battery. ATP can be hydrolyzed to ADP and Pi by the addition of water, releasing energy. ADP can be “recharged” to form ATP by the addition of energy, combining with Pi in a process that releases a molecule of water
General Characteristics of Enzymes.
The Most Important Properties Of An Enzyme Are:
-Catalytic Property.
-Specificity.
-Reversibility.
-Sensitiveness to heat and
temperature and pH.
Why do cells need enzymes?
Cells use enzymes to catalyze the oxidation of organic molecules in small steps, through a sequence of reactions that allows useful energy to be harvested.
Describe how enzymes lower activation energy.
Enzymes generally lower activation energy by reducing the energy needed for reactants to come together and react.
What denatures enzymes?
Enzymes can be denatured in three different ways: increase beyond the optimal temperature of an organism; decreases in pH, resulting in acidity; and increases in pH, producing a basic environment.
