Unit 4: Metabolism Flashcards
Anabolic
A metabolic pathway that consumes energy to synthesize a complex molecule from simpler molecules.
Catabolic
A metabolic pathway that releases energy by breaking down complex molecules to simpler molecules.
Exergonic Reactions
A spontaneous chemical in which there is a net release of free energy.
Endergonic Reactions
A non spontaneous chemical reaction, in which free energy is absorbed from the surroundings.
Equilibrium & Metabolism
All about maintaining a status quo. Metabolism as a whole is never at equilibrium, it’s one of the defining features of life.
Energy Coupling
In cellular metabolism, the use of energy released from an exergonic reaction to drive an endergonic reaction.
ATP
An adenine containing nucleoside triphosphate that releases free energy when phosphate bonds are hydrolyzed.
Phosphorylated Intermediate
A molecule with a phosphate group covalently bond to it, making it more reactive (less stable) than the un-phosphorylated molecule.
Enzyme
A biological catalyst that speeds up the rate of chemical reactions (almost always a protein).
Catalyst
Any substance that speeds up the rate of reaction (enzyme).
Activation energy
The minimum quantity of energy for a reaction.
Substrate
The substance on which an enzyme acts.
Cofactor
Any protein or molecule that is required for the proper function of an enzyme.
Coenzyme
An organic molecule serving as a cofactor. Most vitamins function as coenzymes.
Competitive Inhibiton
A substance that reduces the activity of an enzyme by entering the active site in place of the substrate.
