Biological Adaptations and Metabolism

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to biological adaptations, enzyme function, and metabolic processes.

Explain the role of enzymes in metabolism.

Enzymes act as biological catalysts that speed up biochemical reactions in metabolic pathways.

What are anabolic reactions?

Reactions that build larger molecules from smaller ones and require energy.

What are catabolic reactions?

Reactions that break down larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy.

Define enzyme specificity.

The ability of an enzyme to catalyze only one specific reaction or a specific group of reactions.

What can lead to enzyme denaturation?

High temperature and pH changes can alter the active site of an enzyme, preventing it from binding substrates.

How does temperature affect enzyme activity?

Higher temperatures increase molecular motion and collision rates, but excessive heat can denature enzymes.

What influences the rate of enzyme-catalyzed reactions?

Factors such as temperature, pH, substrate concentration, and enzyme concentration influence reaction rates.

Describe the induced-fit model of enzyme-substrate binding.

The model suggests that the active site of an enzyme changes shape to accommodate the substrate upon binding.

What happens when a substrate binds to an enzyme's active site?

The enzyme catalyzes the conversion of substrates into products, which are then released.

What is competitive inhibition in enzymes?

It occurs when an inhibitor competes with the substrate for binding to the active site of the enzyme.

What types of adaptations do plants have to deter herbivores?

Plants may have physical defenses like thorns, chemical defenses like toxins, or stings to deter herbivore attacks.

What is metabolic adaptation?”,

The process where herbivores develop the ability to detoxify plant toxins enabling them to feed on specific plants.