Metabolism and Enzymes Flashcards

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and definitions related to metabolism and enzymes, aimed at helping students remember crucial concepts for their exam.

Catabolism

The metabolic process that breaks down molecules to produce energy.

Anabolism

The metabolic process that builds molecules from smaller units, requiring energy.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the main energy carrier in cells, often referred to as the body's 'magic battery'.

Phosphorylation

The process of adding a phosphate group to a molecule, which is crucial in energy transfer.

Substrate-level phosphorylation

A type of phosphorylation that transfers a phosphate directly from one molecule to ADP to form ATP.

Oxidative phosphorylation

The process that uses energy from electron transport chains to produce large amounts of ATP.

Photo-phosphorylation

The process by which plants use sunlight to convert light energy into chemical energy.

Krebs Cycle

Also known as the Citric Acid Cycle; a key metabolic pathway that generates energy through the oxidation of acetyl-CoA.

Electron Transport Chain (ETC)

A series of protein complexes and other molecules that transfer electrons to form a proton gradient and produce ATP.

Glycolysis

The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing a small yield of ATP.

NADH

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme that carries electrons in the cellular respiration process.

FADH₂

Flavin adenine dinucleotide, another coenzyme that plays a role in the Krebs Cycle and electron transport chain.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as catalysts to accelerate chemical reactions in the body.

Competitive Inhibition

A form of enzyme inhibition where the inhibitor competes with the substrate for the active site.

Non-Competitive Inhibition

Inhibition where the inhibitor binds to an allosteric site, changing the enzyme's shape and function.

Feedback Inhibition

A regulatory mechanism where the end product of a pathway inhibits an upstream process.

Cofactors

Non-protein substances (often metal ions) that assist enzymes in catalyzing reactions.

Coenzymes

Organic molecules that act as cofactors, typically derived from vitamins, aiding in enzymatic reactions.