Metabolism Flashcards
What is Metabolism?
Metabolism is the sum of all biochemical reactions taking place in the cell (the sum of all anabolic and catabolic reactions)
Describe catabolism and its characteristics
Catabolism is the process by which large molecules are decomposed into smaller molecules. -It is degradative and oxidative -It liberates energy stored in the bonds of large molecules -Converging
Why is catabolism converging?
Because a great variety of different compounds re used to produce the same products.
Describe anabolism and its characteristics
Anabolism is a process by which large and complex molecules are built up from smaller components. -Biosynthetic and reductive -Energy is required to create bonds -Diverging
What are the three ways to describe oxidation?
1) Oxidation is joining with an Oxygen 2) Oxidation is losing an hydrogen 3) Oxidation is losing an electron
What is reduction?
Reduction is gain of electrons.
What is redox potential?
Reduction potential is a mesure of how readily a compound donates and electron compare do Hydrogen.
If reduction potential is less than zero (is negative)…
It means that the reduced form of the compound has lower affinity for electrons than hydrogen.
What are the two conditions for a spontaneous redox reaction to occur?
-Reduction potential has to be positive and ΔG has to be negative.
What are the two conditions for a non spontaneous reaction to (not) occur?
-Reduction potential has to be negative and ΔG has to be positive.
How is energy provided in cells?
It is provided through high energy electrons.
What are high energy electrons?
Electrons with negative redox potential that tend to flow to positive redox potential.
Describe photoautotrophs
The energy source of photoautotroph is the sun and the carbon source is CO2.
Describe photoheterotrophs
The energy source for photoheterotroph is the sun and the carbon source are organic compoounds.
Describe chemoautotrophs
The energy source of chemoautotrophs are chemical bonds and the carbon source is CO2