Metabolism (Basic Concept & design) = Chpt 15

Question 1

What is a metabolism?

Answer 1

chemical rxn’s carried out by enzymes within our bodies via a highly regulated & coodinated series of rxn

Question 2

What is anabolism?

Answer 2

anabolic rxn = small blocks –> use energy –> complex structures

Ex. biosynthetic rxn

Question 3

What is catabolism?

Answer 3

catabolic rxn = complex structures –> release energy –> small block

Ex. breakdown/degradation rxn

Question 4

T/F Energy can be created?

Answer 4

False
Energy is NEVER created, only CAPTURED from rxn’s for use

Question 5

What are the 4 main functions of Metabolism?

Question 6

Energy is needed to meet 3 important needs:

Answer 6

1. perform mechanical work in muscle contraction & cellular movements
2. Active transport of ions/molecules
3. Synthesis of macromolecules and biomolecules from precursors

Question 7

Explain a phototroph vs chemotroph

Answer 7

Phototroph = obtain energy by trapping sunlight in a chemical form (plants)
Chemotrophs = obtain energy through the oxidation of carbon fuels (humans)

Question 8

List the 6 basic principals that outline energy flow in all living systems

Answer 8

1. molecules are built/broken in a series of rxns (involving enzymes) called metabolic pathway
2. ATP is the energy currency of life
3. oxidation of carbon fuel –> forms ATP (leave carbon footprint?)
4. cells have specialized functions (brain/heart/immune)
5. Metabolic pathways are highly regulated (reuse energy)
6. enzymatic pathways are highly organized & more effecient

Question 9

What is a metabolic pathway? List 3 types.

Answer 9

Metabolic pathways = sequence of rxn
1. linear
2. branched
3. circular

Question 10

What direction do metabolic pathways occur in?

Answer 10

can be either reverisble/irreversible

r

rxn can be regulated & usally the first rxn catalyzes a commited step?