Metabolism and ATP Lecture Notes

Practice flashcards covering the basics of metabolism, anabolic and catabolic reactions, and the structure and function of ATP.

Metabolism

All of the chemical reactions in the body.

Anabolism

A metabolic reaction where smaller, simpler compounds are put together to build something bigger; this process requires or needs energy.

Catabolism

A metabolic reaction where a molecule or compound is broken down into simpler components, which results in energy being released.

Glycogen

A larger and more complex molecule built by putting multiple glucose molecules together during an anabolic reaction.

Protein

A complex molecule built from smaller, simpler amino acids through the process of anabolism.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use energy from the sun, in combination with carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) and water, to produce glucose.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A nucleotide referred to as the energy or fuel currency of the body, used to perform work in cells.

Adenine

A nitrogenous base or nitrogen-containing compound that is one of the main components of ATP.

Ribose

A sugar that is one of the three main components of ATP.

Adenosine

The portion of an ATP molecule consisting of the nitrogenous base adenine and the sugar ribose.

Tri-

A prefix meaning three, indicating the three phosphate groups attached to the adenosine in ATP.

Phosphate Group

A negatively charged component of ATP; the bonds between these groups contain a high amount of energy.

ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate)

The molecule formed when ATP loses its third phosphate group to release energy; the prefix 'di-' stands for two.