Energy Metabolism and Enzymatic Reactions

Flashcards covering key concepts related to energy metabolism, types of reactions, and the role of enzymes.

Catabolism

The process of breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.

Anabolism

The process of building complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy input.

Spontaneous Reaction

A reaction that occurs without an input of energy, typically releasing energy and moving toward equilibrium.

Non-Spontaneous Reaction

A reaction that requires energy input to occur.

Exergonic Reaction

A reaction that releases energy, characterized by a negative change in free energy (delta G).

Endergonic Reaction

A reaction that requires energy input, characterized by a positive change in free energy (delta G).

Equilibrium

A state reached when the forward and reverse reactions occur at the same rate, resulting in constant concentrations of reactants and products.

Activation Energy

The minimum amount of energy required to initiate a chemical reaction.

Cofactor

A non-protein molecule that binds to an enzyme and is necessary for its activity.

Coenzyme

A type of cofactor that is organic and often derived from vitamins, assisting enzyme activity.

Competitive Inhibitor

A substance that competes with the substrate for binding to the active site of an enzyme.

Non-Competitive Inhibitor

A substance that binds to an enzyme at a site other than the active site, altering the enzyme's activity.

Feedback Inhibition

A regulatory mechanism in which the end product of a metabolic pathway inhibits an earlier step in the pathway to prevent overproduction.