Back to AI Flashcard MakerBiology /Chapter 6: An Introduction to Metabolism Part 1
Chapter 6: An Introduction to Metabolism Part 1
This deck covers key concepts from Chapter 6, focusing on metabolism, energy transformations, and biochemical pathways. It includes definitions, processes, and principles related to metabolic reactions and energy flow in biological systems.
What is metabolism?
the sum of all chemical reactions in an organism
Tap or swipe ↕ to flip
Swipe ←→Navigate
1/35
Key Terms
Term
Definition
What is metabolism?
the sum of all chemical reactions in an organism
What is a metabolic pathway?
A process that begins with a starting molecule which is then altered in a series of defined steps, resulting in a certain product
What two processes are included in the overall metabolic process?
Catabolic and Anabolic pathways?
What is catabolic?
A pathway that releases NRG together when complex molecules are broken down
What is an anabolic pathway?
A pathway which requires NRG to put together complex molecules
What is bioenergetics?
the study of how energy flows through living systems and is essential to look at in order to understand metabolic processes of the cell
Related Flashcard Decks
Study Tips
- Press F to enter focus mode for distraction-free studying
- Review cards regularly to improve retention
- Try to recall the answer before flipping the card
- Share this deck with friends to study together
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
What is metabolism? | the sum of all chemical reactions in an organism |
What is a metabolic pathway? | A process that begins with a starting molecule which is then altered in a series of defined steps, resulting in a certain product |
What two processes are included in the overall metabolic process? | Catabolic and Anabolic pathways? |
What is catabolic? | A pathway that releases NRG together when complex molecules are broken down |
What is an anabolic pathway? | A pathway which requires NRG to put together complex molecules |
What is bioenergetics? | the study of how energy flows through living systems and is essential to look at in order to understand metabolic processes of the cell |
What is energy? | the capacity to cause change. |
What is chemical energy? | the potential energy available for release in a chemical reaction |
What is thermodynamics? | The study of the energy transformations that occur in a collection of matter |
What happens in an open system? | Energy and matter can be transferred between the system and its enviroment. Organisms are open systems, they absorb energy and release heat. |
What is the first law of thermodynamics? | Energy can be transferred and transformed, but it can not be created or destroyed. |
What is the second law of thermodynamics? | Every energy transfer or transformation increases the entropy of the universe |
What does the quantity of entropy measure? | disorder or randomness |
What is unusable heat associated with? | increased entropy |
What is a spontaneous reaction? | a reaction that can proceed without requiring the input of energy, it is energetically favorable, and increases entropy of the universe |
T/F: A spontaneous reaction requires the input of energy? | True, but just the activation energy |
What is a nonspontaneous reaction? | a reaction that will happen only if energy is supplied and leads to a decrease in entropy |
What is free energy? | the proportion of a system’s NRG that can perform work when temperature and pressure are uniform throughout the system |
What is an exergonic reaction? | a spontaneous reaction that proceeds with the release of free energy |
What is the common misconception with the statement that breaking bonds releases energy? | breaking bonds DOES NOT release energy, it REQUIRES energy. The release of energy in a chemical reaction occurs when bonds are broken and new bonds are formed and the products have less free energy than the reactants had. |
What is an endergonic reaction? | other, nonspontaneous reactions that can be made to proceed only with the addition of free energy |
What is metabolic equilibrium equal to? | death |
How is disequilibrium maintained? | because the products of one reaction do not build up, but are used in another reaction or expelled as waste from the cell |
What are the three main types of work? | chemical work, transport work, and mechanical work |
What powers cellular work, and how? | ATP, by coupling exergonic reactions to endergonic reactions |
What is chemical work? | the pushing of endergonic reaction |
What is transport work? | the pumping of substances across membranes |
What is mechanical work? | contracting of muscles and movement |
What is energy coupling? | the use of an exergonic reaction to power an endergonic reaction |
How can the bonds of ATP be broken? | by hydrolysis, which is considered an exergonic reaction |
What is the change in G of hydrolysis in cellular respiration? | -7.3 |
Explain the function of the phosphate groups in ATP/ | The three phosphate groups in ATP have a negative charge which contributes to the instability of the molecule and high free energy. This portion of the molecule could be compared to a compressed spring. |
How do cells use the energy released from hydrolysis. | With the help of enzymes, cells are able to use energy released by ATP hydrolysis to drive a chemical reaction that is endergonic |
How can two reactions be coupled to create an exergonic reaction | If the delta G of the endergonic reaction is less than the amount of energy released by ATP hydrolysis, the two reactions can be coupled so that the overall reaction is exergonic |
What is the key to coupling exergonic and endergonic reactions? | The formation of a phosphorylated intermediate which is more reactive |