Microbial Metabolism

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions related to microbial metabolism as outlined in the lecture notes.

Metabolism

All chemical and physical workings of a cell.

Catabolism

Degradative reactions that break the bonds of larger molecules forming smaller molecules, releasing energy.

Anabolism

Biosynthetic reactions that form larger macromolecules from smaller molecules, requiring energy input.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that increase the rate of a chemical reaction by lowering the energy of activation.

Active site

The site on an enzyme where specific substrate molecules bind.

Cofactors

Nonprotein molecules that assist enzymes, including metal ions and organic molecules.

Exoenzymes

Enzymes transported extracellularly to break down large food molecules or harmful chemicals.

Endoenzymes

Enzymes that are retained intracellularly and function within the cell.

Competitive inhibition

A form of enzyme inhibition where a substance mimics the normal substrate and competes for the active site.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The metabolic currency of the cell, consisting of adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups.

Fermentation

The incomplete oxidation of glucose or other carbohydrates in the absence of oxygen, producing a small amount of ATP.

Aerobic respiration

A series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions in which electrons are transferred from fuel molecules to oxygen.

Anaerobic respiration

Processes that utilize oxygen-containing ions as the final electron acceptor instead of free oxygen.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and certain bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.