Metabolism

Question 1

What is ‘Metabolism’?

Answer 1

The collection of chemical reactions that happen in each cell allows it to function, survive and reproduce.

Question 2

What are the 2 different metabolic reactions?

Answer 2

• Catabolism.
• Anabolism.

Question 3

What are catabolic reactions?

Answer 3

• Are chemical reactions involving the breaking down of substances.
• Are energy-releasing processes.

Question 4

What are anabolic reactions?

Answer 4

• Are chemical reactions that build up substances.
• Are energy-using processes.

Question 5

Outline how energy is released through the breakdown of substances (Flowchart).

Answer 5

Polymers>Monomers>Oxidation of monomers>Energy to be released.

Question 6

What are the following substances broken down to -
1. Polysaccharides.
2. Lipids.
3. Proteins.
4. Nucleic acids.

Answer 6

1. Monosaccharides.
2. Fatty acids.
3. Amino acids.
4. Nucleotides.

Question 7

What are enzymes?

Answer 7

• They are chemical catalysts that speed up chemical reactions.
• Enzymes are not consumed in the reactions they catalyse.
• Enzymes increase the rate of metabolic reactions by decreasing the activation energy required.

Question 8

What is the name of the model that describes the ‘Mode of Action’ of an enzyme?

Answer 8

Lock and Key model.

Question 9

Describe the process of the ‘Lock and Key model’.

Answer 9

1. A substrate will enter the active site of an enzyme.
2. This will form the enzyme/substrate complex.
3. The enzyme changes shape slightly as a substrate binds.
4. The products will be formed.
5. Products will leave the active site of the enzyme.

Question 10

What would happen if enzymes did not exist?

Answer 10

Reactions would be slower and harder to take place.

Question 11

How can energy be released following the oxidation of monomers?

Answer 11

1. Heat (serves body temperature homeostasis)
2. Chemical free energy for ATP synthesis.
3. Waste products -
   - Lactic acid.
   - Acetic acid.
   - CO2.
   - Ammonia.
   - Urea.

Question 12

What is the equation demonstrating the formation of ATP?

Answer 12

ADP + Phosphate ion (Pi) + Energy > (ATPase) > ATP + H20.

Question 13

What is considered the ‘Energy Currency’?

Answer 13

ATP.

Question 14

What is ATP?

Answer 14

• High energy molecule.
• Provides instantaneous energy for work.
• Provides energy for muscular contraction.
• Provides energy neural activity.
• Provides energy for active transport.

Question 15

What is ‘Hydrolysis’?

Answer 15

Refers to the breakdown of ATP to allow for monomers to form polymers.

Question 16

What is the equation for ‘Hydrolysis’?

Answer 16

ATP + H20 > (ATPase) > ADP + Phosphate ion + Energy

Question 17

What can be an example of Hydrolysis?

Answer 17

• Protein biosynthesis.
• Amino acids to Proteins.