metabolic pathways (mind map) Flashcards
define cell metabolism
The chemical reaction that takes place in a living cell. It is a network of connected and integrated pathways involved in cell activities. All cell activities are controlled by the enzyme.
define an anabolic reactions
builds up (synthesis) large molecules and required energy.
define a catabolic reaction
breaksdown large molecules into smaller one and releases energy
describe metabolic pathways
- consists of many stages converting of one metabolite to another
- each step is controlled by a particular enzyme
- if the right enzyme is present, the pathway will proceed. If it is absent, the pathway will halt.
what is a controlled metabolic pathway
metabolic pathways are controlled by enzymes and can have reversible and irreversible steps or alternative routes and can be integrated with each other
describe reversible pathways
often metabolic reactions are reversible meaning the molecule can be converted back into the form it started from.
what happens if a reaction is irreversible?
the molecule is permanently changed.
define alternative routes
it’s possible that a metabolic pathway has more than one ‘route’ of getting from its substrate to its product(s).
define metabolic block
a metabolic block may occur due to a gene mutation resulting in an absence of a functional enzyme.
what do chemical reactions that occur within the metabolism relay on?
the presence of enzymes
explain what high affinity is
when substrates are chemically attracted to the active site.
explain what induced fit is
as the substrate starts to bind the active site changes shape to fit the substrate more closely, increasing the rate of reaction.
explain what low affinity is
after the reaction the products, are now a different shape and move away from the active site.
what is an enzyme inhibitor?
enzyme inhibitors are substances which prevent enzyme activity.
what are the 2 types of enzymes inhibitors?
1) competitive inhibitors
2) non-competitive inhibitors