Chapter 6 - part 3 (redox, metabolic pathways, Carriers, coupling)

Metabolic Pathway

series of linked chemical reactions where the product of one becomes the reactant of the next.

Catabolism

breaking molecules down → releases energy.

Anabolism

building molecules → requires energy.

Coupled Reactions

energy released from one reaction drives another

Why do cells couple reactions?

to use energy efficiently and avoid waste.

Oxidation

molecule loses electrons

Reduction

molecule gains electrons.

Redox memory

Lose Electrons Oxidation / Gain Electrons Reduction.

NAD⁺

A coenzyme that accepts electrons and becomes NADH (used in ATP making later in cell respiration).

NADH

reduced form of NAD⁺ that carries electrons to make ATP in mitochondria.