Enzymes/biochemical reactions Flashcards
What is metabolism
The chemical reactions within each cell or organism
What are the two types of metabolism
Catabolic and anabolic
What does catabolic mean
To break down larger molecules into simpler compounds (exergonic)
what does anabolic mean
To build larger molecules from smaller ones (endergonic)
What is activation energy
The amount of energy needed to start a chemical reaction
WHat happens when a bond is broken
Energy is absorbed
What happens if a bond is formed
Energy is released
What is a reactant/substrate
Substances that are changed during a chemical reaction
What are metabolic reactions controlled by
Enzymes
What is an endothermic reaction
When energy is absorbed
What is an exothermic reaction
When energy is released
What is an enzyme
(Mostly) proteins that speed up biochemical reactions by lowering the activation energy
What is a catalyst
A substance that speeds up reactions without being permanently altered (Ex. enzymes)
How does an enzymes make bonds
Each enzyme has an active site that only fits with one substrate
What is denaturation
When an enzyme’s active site gets deformed and loses its shape
