Enzymatic Reactions and Metabolic Pathways

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to enzymes, metabolic pathways, and cellular respiration as discussed in the lecture.

Enzyme

A protein that catalyzes chemical reactions in biological systems.

Substrate

The molecule that an enzyme acts on.

Enzyme-Substrate Complex

The temporary complex formed when an enzyme binds to its substrate.

Induced Fit

The phenomenon where the enzyme changes shape slightly to better fit the substrate.

Activation Energy

The energy required to start a reaction.

Competitive Inhibition

Inhibition of an enzyme by a molecule that competes with the substrate for the active site.

Noncompetitive Inhibition

Inhibition of an enzyme by a molecule that binds to a site other than the active site, changing the enzyme's shape.

Cofactors

Non-protein molecules that assist enzymes in their function.

Coenzymes

Organic molecules that function as cofactors.

NADH

A coenzyme that carries electrons and is essential for cellular respiration.

Redox Reactions

Reactions involving the transfer of electrons between two substances.

Metabolic Pathways

Series of biochemical reactions that convert a substrate into a product.

Catabolic Pathway

A metabolic pathway that releases energy by breaking down larger molecules into smaller ones.

Anabolic Pathway

A metabolic pathway that consumes energy to build larger molecules from smaller ones.

Glycolysis

The first step in cellular respiration that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.

Krebs Cycle

A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to release stored energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The final step in cellular respiration where ATP is produced from electron transport and proton gradient.

Chemiosmosis

The movement of ions across a selectively permeable membrane, down their electrochemical gradient.

Aerobic Respiration

Cellular respiration that requires oxygen to produce ATP.

Anaerobic Respiration

Cellular respiration that occurs without oxygen, resulting in processes like fermentation.