Making Life Work: Capturing and Using Energy - Chapter 6

These flashcards cover the key concepts from Chapter 6 on energy transformation and metabolism, including the roles of ATP, enzymes, and thermodynamics in biological systems.

What is metabolism?

Metabolism is the set of biochemical reactions that transforms biomolecules and transfers energy.

What are the two types of energy mentioned in the lecture?

Kinetic energy is energy of motion, and potential energy is stored energy.

What do the laws of thermodynamics govern?

The laws of thermodynamics govern energy flow in biological systems.

What role do enzymes play in biochemical reactions?

Enzymes are protein catalysts that increase the rate of biochemical reactions.

What do cells require to function?

Cells require a barrier, a way to encode/transmit information, and energy to do work.

What are the three ways cells obtain energy mentioned in the notes?

Cells obtain energy from sunlight, chemical compounds, and carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.

What is ATP?

ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the molecule that cells convert energy into for ready access.

What distinguishes phototrophs from chemotrophs?

Phototrophs derive energy from sunlight, while chemotrophs derive energy from chemical compounds.

What happens to chemical bonds during chemical reactions?

Chemical reactions involve the breaking and forming of bonds.

What is the difference between catabolism and anabolism?

Catabolism is the breakdown of molecules into smaller units, while anabolism is the building of molecules from smaller units.

What does the First Law of Thermodynamics state?

The First Law states that energy is neither created nor destroyed; it changes from one form to another.

What is Gibbs free energy?

Gibbs free energy is the amount of energy in a system available to do work.

What is the significance of ATP hydrolysis in cellular metabolism?

ATP hydrolysis releases energy necessary for driving cellular processes.

What are the two main types of enzyme inhibitors?

Competitive inhibitors bind to the active site, while non-competitive inhibitors bind to a different site, changing the shape of the enzyme.

How do activators affect enzyme activity?

Activators increase enzyme activity by binding to the enzyme and facilitating its catalytic function.

What is feedback inhibition in metabolic pathways?

Feedback inhibition occurs when the end product inhibits the enzyme that catalyzes an earlier reaction, helping the cell conserve energy.