Cellular Metabolism and Energy Production

Flashcards created from lecture notes on cellular metabolism, focusing on key enzymes, metabolic pathways, and processes like photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Isoleucine

An amino acid involved in feedback inhibition in metabolic pathways.

Active site

The specific region of an enzyme where the substrate binds.

Feedback Inhibition

A regulatory mechanism where the end product of a metabolic pathway inhibits an earlier step in the pathway.

Enzyme 1 (threonine deaminase)

The enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of threonine to an intermediate in amino acid metabolism.

Pathway halted

When feedback inhibition occurs and the metabolic pathway is stopped.

Mitochondrion

An organelle that contains enzymes for cellular respiration.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Calvin Cycle

A set of light-independent reactions in photosynthesis that convert carbon dioxide and other compounds into glucose.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

The final stage of cellular respiration where ATP is produced as a result of the electron transport chain.

Autotrophs

Organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, also known as 'self-feeders'.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that obtain their food by consuming other organisms, referred to as 'other feeders'.

ATP

A molecule that carries energy within cells and powers most cellular work.

Chemical energy in food

Energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds that is released during cellular respiration.

Glycolysis

The first stage of cellular respiration that breaks down glucose into pyruvate.

Citric Acid Cycle

The cycle that completes the breakdown of glucose and produces electron carriers for the electron transport chain.

Fermentation

An anaerobic process that allows for the regeneration of NAD+ by breaking down glucose without oxygen.

Chemical Recycling

The process by which chemicals are returned to the ecosystem after being used by organisms.