Introduction to Metabolism Flashcards
what is the definition of metabolism
overall process through which living systems acquire and use free energy to carry out their various functions
what is the definition of anabolism
processes of biosynthesis of complex organic molecules
what is the definition of catabolism
processes of degradation of complex substances
is energy required/generated in catabolism/anabolism
required for anabolism
generated by catabolism
what are autotrophs
organisms that can use inorganic small molecules to generate ATP
e.g. photosynthesis in plants
what are heterotrophs
organisms that obtain free energy through the oxidation of organic compounds
what are the roles of metabolism in humans
to provide warmth and energy for living
to react constructively to pregnancy, injury and disease
to supply raw materials for tissue growth and repair
catabolism/anabolism = exergonic/endergonic
catabolism = exergonic
anabolism = endergonic
what are the uses of free energy
mechanical work in muscle contraction and other cellular movements
active transport of molecules and ions
synthesis of macromolecules and biomolecules
how can ATP act as an allosteric effector
the concentration of ATP (relative to ADP/AMP) is an index of the energy status of the cell
[ATP] determines the rate of reaction of key points in metabolic pathways
what is the daily energy generation of an average adult
consumes ~11,700 kJ
~50% converted to ATP
= 117 mols of ATP
key example electron carriers that are involved in biological oxidation
NAD and FAD
what is biological oxidation
a series of oxidation-reduction reactions where electrons pass through intermediate electron carriers and finally to O2
what are the oxidised and reduced forms of FAD and NAD
oxidised (quinone form): FAD and NAD
reduced: FADH2 and NADH
