Biochemical Processes and Enzyme Regulation

These flashcards cover key concepts related to digestion, metabolism, enzymes, and their regulation based on lecture notes.

What is the first step of the biological energy conversion process mentioned in the lecture?

Digestion, which breaks down larger molecules into smaller ones.

Where does the citric acid cycle occur?

In the mitochondria.

What is the role of NADH and FADH2 in cellular respiration?

They are electron carriers that transport electrons to the electron transport chain.

What is generated during oxidative phosphorylation?

ATP.

How do enzymes affect the energy of activation?

Enzymes lower the energy of activation, allowing reactions to occur faster.

What is the difference between a competitive and noncompetitive inhibitor?

A competitive inhibitor binds to the active site, while a noncompetitive inhibitor binds to a different site on the enzyme.

What is feedback inhibition?

A regulatory mechanism where the end product of a metabolic pathway inhibits an earlier enzyme in the pathway.

What is the 'induced fit' model of enzyme action?

The model describing how enzymes change shape when a substrate binds, promoting a better fit.

How do allosteric inhibitors function?

They bind to sites other than the active site, causing a change in enzyme shape that inhibits substrate binding.

What is the main role of oxygen in the electron transport chain, and what does it prevent?

Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor, stopping electron movement and preventing heat production from uncontrolled electron flow.

Approximately what percentage of inhaled oxygen is utilized for oxidative processes?

Approximately 90% of oxygen inhaled is used to support these oxidative processes.

What is the primary role of enzymes in biological systems?

Enzymes act as biological catalysts, facilitating chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy.

What is activation energy?

Activation energy is the minimum energy required to initiate a chemical reaction.

What does it mean for an enzyme to exhibit specificity?

Enzymes typically act on only one particular substrate to produce a specific product.

How are enzymes classified?

Enzymes are classified by their catalysis types, depending on their mechanisms in reactions (e.g., hydrolysis).