Regulation of biochemical pathways in photosynthesis and cellular respiration Flashcards
What is photosynthesis?
The process by which photoautotrophs capture light energy and use it to convert water and carbon to glucose, water and oxygen.
What is the purpose of photosynthesis?
To make glucose from water and carbon dioxide
What is the photosynthesis equation?
6H2O + 6CO2 —> C6H12O6 + 6O2
water + carbon dioxide —> glucose + oxygen
What is cellular respiration?
The process of breaking down glucose into ATP.
What is the purpose of cellular respiration?
To convert energy stored in glucose to a useable form of energy, ATP
What is the cellular respiration equation?
6O2 + C6H12O6 —> 6CO2 + 6H20 + ATP
oxygen + glucose —> carbon dioxide + water + energy (ATP)
What is a coenzyme?
A coenzyme is an organic molecule that assists an enzyme in carrying out a specific chemical reaction by binding to the enzyme’s active site and facilitating the reaction
What is a cofactor?
A cofactor is a non-protein chemical compound or metallic ion that is required for an enzyme’s role as a catalyst.
- Cofactors can be considered “helper molecules” that assist in biochemical transformations.
What is the difference between cofactors and coenzymes?
- All coenzymes are cofactors, but not all cofactors are coenzymes.
- A cofactor facilitates enzyme reactions but is not required.
- A coenzyme binds to the active site while cofactors generally bind allosterically, changing the structure of the active site
What is the role of enzymes and coenzymes in facilitating steps in photosynthesis and cellular respiration?
Enzymes such as Rubisco are involved in photosynthesis as they ‘fix’ carbon into a form that can be used more efficiently by the plant.
What enzymes provide energy for photosynthesis and cellular respiration?
- ATP/ADP+Pi,
- NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+
- FADH2/FAD+
What factors impact on enzyme function in relation to photosynthesis and cellular respiration?
- Temperature
- pH levels
- Concentration of substrate
- Concentration of enzymes
- Competitive inhibitors
- Non-competitive inhibitors
How does temperature impact enzyme function?
Increases enzyme activity up to certain point where it denatures enzyme
How do pH impact enzyme function?
Decreases enzyme activity above and below optimal range
How does the concentration of substrate impact enzyme function?
It will increase enzyme activity up to saturation point
How does concentration of enzymes impact enzyme fuction?
It will increase enzyme activity until there is no substrate left to act upon and all enzymes are working.
How do competitive inhibitors impact enzyme function?
It will decrease enzyme activity but can be outcompeted/dislodged by increased substrate concentration
How do non-competitive inhibitors impact enzyme function?
It will permanently hinder enzyme activity as they are irreversible
