Metabolism Flashcards
What is adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) ?
A small, simple energy supplying molecule. Within some of its bonds, it contains the potential for a quick burst of energy that can be harnessed to perform cellular work.
What is metabolism?
All of the chemical reactions that take place inside of a cell. Metabolic pathways usually make or produce ATP:
Why is ATP important?
It is the primary energy currency of cells. ATP is used to power the majority of energy-requiring cellular reactions.
What macromolecule is ATP?
ATP is a Nucleic Acid (Nucleotide) because it consists of a nitrogenous base adenine and a five-carbon sugar, ribose. The three phosphate groups, in order of closest to furthest from the ribose sugar, are labeled alpha, beta, and gamma. Together, these chemical groups constitute an energy powerhouse.
Are all bonds in ATP high-energy?
No, not all bonds within this molecule exist in a particularly high-energy state. Both bonds that link the phosphates are equally high-energy bonds (phosphoanhydride bonds) that, when broken, release sufficient energy to power a variety of cellular reactions and processes. These high-energy bonds are the bonds between the second and third (or beta and gamma) phosphate groups and between the first and second phosphate groups.
Why are these bonds considered “high-energy”?
Because the products of such bond breaking—ADP and one inorganic phosphate group (Pi)—have considerably lower free energy than the reactants (ATP and a water molecule).
Because this reaction takes place with the use of a water molecule, it is considered a hydrolysis reaction.
What process/reaction occurs for the formation of ADP?
Hydrolysis. ATP is hydrolyzed into ADP.
Is ATP a stable molecule?
ATP is a highly unstable molecule. Unless quickly used to perform work, ATP spontaneously dissociates into ADP + Pi, and the free energy released during this process is lost as heat.
How does ATP release energy?
It releases energy when it loses one of its phosphate groups, which fuels reactions and processes within the cell. When ATP loses a phosphate group, it is converted to ADP (adenosine diphosphate)
What is the difference between catabolism and anabolism?
Catabolism is the set of metabolic pathways that breaks down molecules into smaller units that are either oxidized to release energy or used in other anabolic reactions.
Anabolism is the set of metabolic pathways that construct molecules from smaller units. These reactions require energy. A.K.A. Endergonic process.
What are the two main types of metabolic pathways?
- Catabolic pathways: Involve the breakdown of molecules. Often harvest stores chemical energy to produce ATP.
- Anabolic pathways: Results in the synthesis of larger molecules from smaller components. Often use energy in the form of ATP
What are the basic cell requirements?
- An energy source to generate ATP
- A source of carbon to use as raw materials for building macromolecules and cell components.
