Biochemical Reactions in Metabolism

Flashcards covering key concepts and terms related to biochemical reactions in metabolism, specifically focusing on the citric acid cycle and glycolysis.

Acids

Substances that can donate a proton or accept an electron pair in reactions.

Glycolysis

A linear metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose to produce energy.

Cyclic Metabolic Pathway

A metabolic pathway that recycles its starting materials after a series of reactions, such as the citric acid cycle.

Condensation Reaction

A type of reaction where two molecules combine to form a larger molecule with the concurrent elimination of a smaller molecule, often water.

Isomerization

The rearrangement of atoms in a molecule to form isomers, which have the same molecular formula but different structures.

Decarboxylation

A chemical reaction that involves the removal of a carboxyl group, resulting in the release of carbon dioxide.

Dehydrogenase

An enzyme that catalyzes the removal of hydrogen from a substrate, involved in oxidation reactions.

Oxidation

A chemical process that involves the loss of electrons or hydrogen, often resulting in an increase in oxidation state.

Hydration Reaction

A reaction where water is added to a substance, usually leading to hydration of the compound.

Substrate

The substance on which an enzyme acts during a biochemical reaction.

Reducing Power

The capability of a molecule, such as NADH, to donate electrons in chemical reactions, often used to drive biosynthetic reactions.

Aconitase

An enzyme that catalyzes the isomerization of citrate to isocitrate in the citric acid cycle.

Fumarase

An enzyme that catalyzes the hydration of fumarate to malate in the citric acid cycle.

Citric Acid Cycle

A cyclic series of enzymatic reactions that produce energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA.