Final: Chapter 7 And 8- Metabolism And Growth Flashcards
What determines a proteins function?
3D shape of the protein
What is the difference between anabolism and catabolism?
Anabolism: any process that results in synthesis of cells molecules and structures
Catabolism: the breakdown of bonds of larger molecules into smaller molecules
What is an enzyme’s substrate and how does the substrate interact with the active site?
A substance that attaches itself to an enzyme’s active site. The shape of the substrate must fit into the active site.
What are cofactors and why do we require vitamins in our diet?
They are an organic molecule or metal ion that assist the enzyme in binding its substrate
Our bodies require them in our diet because our enzymes need them to function.
What is the function of an enzyme’s regulatory site?
They turn the active site on or off when a regulatory molecule binds with them.
What is denaturation and what environmental factors lead to denaturation?
The loss of shape and function of proteins and nucleic acid.
Environmental factors: heat, acids and bases, and other molecules
What is the difference between a saprobe and a parasite?
The difference is whether or not they produce enzymes capable of harming a host. Pathogens cannot usually survive your immune system long enough to do harm.
How do enzymes play a role in a pathogens virulency?
Pathogens produce enzymes which have specificity for various host tissues and cells. In other words the substrate for these are the host cells.
How do microbes (bacteria and fungi) digest their substrate?
They harmlessly release extracellular enzymes into their environment.
What do the terms psychrophile, mesophile, and thermophile mean?
Psychrophile= organism who’s optimum growth temp occurs between 60 degrees and are capable of growth at 32 degrees Mesophile= optimum growth temp between 68 degrees and 113 degrees Thermophils= optimum growth temp above 113 degrees
What is the pH scale? What ranges are considered acidic and alkaline? What pH is neutral?
pH is a measure of acids and bases
0-7= acidic
7= neutral
7-14= basic (alkaline)
