Module 1 glossary Flashcards
Amphibolic Pathway
A pathway that involves both anabolic and catabolic portions. precursors.
Anabolic
A process in which complex molecules are generated from simpler precursors.
Catabolic
A process in which complex molecules are broken down into simpler precursors.
Chemotroph
Organisms that obtain energy by the oxidation of electron donors in their environments.
Endergonic
A process that has an overall positive free energy change (a non-spontaneous process).
Entropy
A measurement of the randomness or disorder of a system.
Exergonic
A process that has an overall negative free energy change (a spontaneous process).
Metabolic Pathway
A series of chemical reactions occurring within a cell. The pathway may be linear, branched or circular.
Metabolism
The total of the chemical reactions of a living organism.
Phosphoryl-transfer Potential
The tendency of a phosphorylated molecule to undergo hydrolysis.
Phototroph
Organisms capable of synthesizing their own food from inorganic substances using light as an energy source.
Product
A molecule generated in an enzymatic reaction.
Redox Reactions
Reactions in which one molecule becomes reduced by gaining electrons donated by another molecule that becomes oxidized.
Substrate
A reactant in an enzymatic reaction
Vitamin
A metabolically required substance that cannot be synthesized by the organism and must be obtained from the diet.
