Metabolism and Enzymes Lecture Review

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to metabolism and enzymatic reactions as outlined in the lecture notes.

Metabolism

The totality of an organism’s chemical reactions.

Enzyme

A catalytic protein that speeds up biochemical reactions.

Catabolic pathways

Metabolic pathways that release energy by breaking down complex molecules into simpler compounds.

Anabolic pathways

Metabolic pathways that consume energy to build complex molecules from simpler ones.

Exergonic reactions

Reactions that proceed with a net release of energy.

Endergonic reactions

Reactions that absorb energy from their surroundings.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The energy currency of the cell, composed of ribose, adenine, and three phosphate groups.

Substrate

The reactant that an enzyme acts on.

Cofactors

Nonprotein enzyme helpers that may be inorganic or organic.

Competitive inhibitors

Inhibitors that bind to the active site of an enzyme, competing with the substrate.

Feedback inhibition

A regulatory mechanism in which the end product of a metabolic pathway inhibits an earlier step.