Unit 3 AOS 2 – Regulation of Biochemical Pathways KEY TERMS

Enzyme

Biological catalyst that speeds up reactions by lowering activation energy.

Active site

Region on enzyme where substrate binds and reaction occurs.

Denaturation

Structural change of a protein due to heat or pH; loss of function.

Cofactor/coenzyme

Non-protein helper required for enzyme activity.

Inhibitor

Molecule that reduces enzyme activity (competitive or non-competitive).

Biochemical pathway

Series of enzyme-controlled reactions producing a specific product.

Photosynthesis

Conversion of light energy to chemical energy in glucose.

Cellular respiration

Process that releases ATP from glucose and oxygen.

ATP

Energy-carrying molecule used for cell processes.

Fermentation

Anaerobic pathway producing ATP and by-products.

Chloroplast

Organelle containing chlorophyll for photosynthesis.

Mitochondrion

Organelle where aerobic respiration occurs to produce ATP.