Metabolism Overview

What is metabolism?

A set of chemical reactions that occur in living organisms to sustain life, facilitating growth, homeostasis, reproduction, and adaptation to the environment.

What are anabolic reactions?

Synthesis reactions that require energy to produce complexity or energy-rich states.

What are catabolic reactions?

Degradation reactions that produce energy by breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones.

What is the role of ATP in metabolism?

ATP transfer energy from catabolic reactions to anabolic processes.

What is biological oxidation?

The loss of hydrogen atoms/electrons during oxidation processes in cells.

What are monosaccharides?

Simple sugars that serve as energy storage, fuel, and structural building blocks in biomolecules.

Define glycosidic linkage.

The formation of a bond between monosaccharides that locks the anomeric configuration.

What are the two types of metabolic pathways mentioned?

Catabolic pathways (energy-yielding) and anabolic pathways (energy-requiring).

What is glycolysis?

A metabolic pathway that breaks down glucose to produce energy.

What distinguishes D and L stereochemistry in sugars?

The configuration of the highest numbered stereocenter compared to D-glyceraldehyde.