Cellular Energetics

Flashcards covering key concepts from the AP Biology lecture on Cellular Energetics.

Enzyme

A macromolecule, typically a protein, that acts as a catalyst to speed up specific biochemical reactions.

Active Site

The specific region of an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

Substrate

A molecule that can interact with an enzyme; it is transformed during the reaction catalyzed by the enzyme.

Denaturation

The structural alteration of an enzyme that results in loss of its biological properties and function, often caused by environmental changes.

Competitive Inhibitor

A molecule that competes with the substrate for binding to the active site of the enzyme, thereby reducing enzyme activity.

Noncompetitive Inhibitor

A molecule that binds to an enzyme at a site other than the active site, altering the enzyme's function without competing for the active site.

Catabolic Pathway

Metabolic pathways that break down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process.

Anabolic Pathway

Metabolic pathways that build complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring an input of energy.

Oxidation-Reduction (Redox) Reactions

Chemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons, where one substance is oxidized (loses electrons) and another is reduced (gains electrons).

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A high-energy molecule used by cells to store and transfer energy for cellular processes.

Chemiosmosis

The process using a proton gradient to drive the synthesis of ATP by ATP synthase.

Photosynthesis

The process by which autotrophs convert solar energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

Cellular Respiration

The metabolic process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions occurring within an organism.

ΔG (Change in Free Energy)

The difference in free energy between the final state and the initial state of a system, indicating the spontaneity of a reaction.

Exergonic Reaction

A reaction that releases free energy and occurs spontaneously.

Endergonic Reaction

A reaction that absorbs free energy and does not occur spontaneously.