Microbial Metabolism

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts and terminology related to microbial metabolism.

Metabolism

The buildup and breakdown of nutrients within a cell, providing energy and substances that sustain life.

Catabolic pathways

Pathways that break down macromolecules into simpler components, releasing energy in the process.

Anabolic pathways

Pathways that build up macromolecules by combining simpler molecules, using energy in the process.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the molecule used by cells to manage energy needs.

Exergonic reactions

Reactions that release energy, commonly associated with catabolic processes.

Endergonic reactions

Reactions that require energy input, typically found in anabolic processes.

Enzymes

Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being altered themselves.

Substrate-level phosphorylation

The process of generating ATP by the direct transfer of a phosphate group to ADP.

Oxidative phosphorylation

The production of ATP using energy derived from the electron transport chain.

Competitive inhibitors

Substances that fill the active site of an enzyme, competing with the substrate.

Noncompetitive inhibitors

Substances that bind to an enzyme at a site other than the active site, altering enzyme functionality.

Feedback inhibition

A process where the end-product of a reaction inhibits earlier enzymes in the pathway.

Photosynthesis

The process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and glucose.

Fermentation

A metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen.

Glycolysis

The breakdown of glucose to pyruvic acid, producing ATP and NADH.

Krebs cycle

A series of enzymatic reactions that produce NADH, FADH2, and ATP while releasing CO2.

Electron transport chain

A series of proteins that transfer electrons and harness energy to produce ATP.

Photophosphorylation

The process of generating ATP from the energy of light during photosynthesis.

Amphibolic pathways

Metabolic pathways that can function in both catabolic and anabolic processes.

Coenzyme

An organic nonprotein factor that assists enzymes in catalyzing reactions.