Test I: Cellular Metabolism

Question 1

Metabolic Activity

Answer 1

– Cells break down organic molecules to
obtain energy
• Used to generate ATP

Question 2

Energetics

Answer 2

Is the flow of energy and its changes from one form to another

Question 3

Metabolism

Answer 3

– Refers to all chemical reactions in an organism

Question 4

Essential functions of metabolism

Answer 4

1. Metabolic turnover
   • Periodic replacement of cell’s organic components
2. Growth and cell division
3. Special processes, such as secretion, contraction, and the propagation of action potentials

Question 5

The Nutrient Pool

Answer 5

– Contains all organic building blocks cell needs
• To provide energy
• To create new cellular components
– Is source of substrates for catabolism and
anabolism

Question 6

Catabolism

Answer 6

– Is the breakdown of organic substrates

– Releases energy used to synthesize highenergy compounds (e.g., ATP)

Question 7

Anabolism

Answer 7

Is the synthesis of new organic molecules
– In energy terms
• Anabolism is an “uphill” process that forms new
chemical bonds

Question 8

Functions of Organic Compounds

Answer 8

1. Perform structural maintenance and 
repairs
2. Support growth
3. Produce secretions
4. Store nutrient reserves

Question 9

Glycogen

Answer 9

• Most abundant storage carbohydrate

* A branched chain of glucose molecules

Question 10

Triglycerides

Answer 10

• Most abundant storage lipids

* Primarily of fatty acids

Question 11

Proteins

Answer 11

• Most abundant organic components in body
• Perform many vital cellular functions
• Made of amino acids

Question 12

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Answer 12

– Generates ATP and other high-energy compounds by breaking down carbohydrates

Question 13

Lipid Catabolism (Lipolysis)

Answer 13

– Breaks lipids down into pieces that can be:
• Converted to pyruvic acid
• Channeled directly into citric acid cycle
– Hydrolysis splits triglyceride into component
parts
• One molecule of glycerol
– Enzymes in cytosol convert glycerol to pyruvic
acid
• Pyruvic acid enters citric acid cycle
– Different enzymes convert fatty acids to
acetyl-CoA (beta-oxidation)

Question 14

transamination or deamination

Answer 14

Removal of amino group;
• Requires coenzyme derivative of vitamin B6
(pyridoxine)