Introduction to Enzymes and Energy Processes

This set of flashcards covers key concepts from the lecture on enzymes, metabolism, and energy processes within biological systems.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in your cells.

Catabolic reactions

Reactions that break down larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy.

Anabolic reactions

Reactions that build larger molecules from smaller ones, requiring energy.

Spontaneous process

A process that occurs without the need for an energy input, typically moving from high energy to low energy.

Non-spontaneous process

A process that requires energy input to occur, typically moving from low energy to high energy.

Delta G (ΔG)

The change in free energy of a system; ΔG is negative for spontaneous processes and positive for non-spontaneous processes.

Activation energy

The minimum energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Enzyme substrate complex

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

Cofactors

Inorganic molecules or metal ions that assist enzymes in their function.

Coenzymes

Small organic molecules that assist enzymes, often derived from vitamins.

Lock and Key model

A model of enzyme-substrate interaction where the substrate fits perfectly into the enzyme's active site.

Induced fit model

A model of enzyme-substrate interaction where the enzyme changes shape to accommodate the substrate.

Competitive inhibitor

A molecule that competes with the substrate for binding to the active site of an enzyme.

Non-competitive inhibitor

A molecule that binds to an enzyme but not at the active site, preventing the substrate from binding.

Allosteric regulation

The regulation of enzyme activity through the binding of molecules at sites other than the active site.

Negative feedback

A regulatory mechanism where the final product of a metabolic pathway inhibits the first enzyme involved in its own formation.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed.

Equilibrium

The state in which the concentrations of reactants and products remain constant over time.

Gibbs free energy

The energy associated with a chemical reaction that can be used to do work.

Thermodynamics

The study of energy transformations in physical and chemical processes.