Metabolism 1: Thermodynamics Flashcards
What is metabolism?
The process by which biological molecules are broken down and resynthesised
It is a complex network of enzymatic reactions which is highly regulated
What are adipocytes?
Cells specialised for fat storage
What is catabolism?
Catabolic processes are the breaking down of relatively complex molecules into simpler ones - either to salvage components or generate energy
What is anabolism?
Anabolic processes involve the net use of energy to build more complex molecules from simpler ones
What is a cofactor?
A substance such as an ion or coenzyme, which must be associated with an enzyme for it to function
What is a coenzyme?
A non-protein organic substance which combines with a specific protein, an apoenzyme, to form an active enzyme
What is an apoenzyme?
The protein component of an enzyme to which the coenzyme attaches to form an active enzyme
What thermodynamic conditions must there be in order for the overall metabolic process to occur?
The overall free energy (ΔG) must be negative - this allows the reactions to occur spontaneously
When is a system at equilibrium in terms of free energy?
ΔG must be zero - no net change will occur in these conditions
How does a reaction occur in the case that ΔG is positive?
An input of free energy is required.
How could you make a thermodynamically unfavourable reaction sequence favourable?
By coupling it to another spontaneous reaction
