Cell Metabolism (11)

Define metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in the body. (Anabolic + Catabolic = Metabolism)

Define anabolism

An anabolic reaction occurs when simple molecules are joined together to create large complex molecules. E.g. Protein synthesis, amino acids are joined together to create proteins.

Define catabolism

A catabolic reaction occurs when large complex substances are broken down in simple ones. E.g. Protein digestion - Complex protein molecules are broken down into simple units called amino acids.

Describe the role enzymes play in metabolism

Biological catalyst that speeds up chemical reactions by reducing activation energy. In cellular respiration both glycolysis and electron transport chain use enzymes.

What is cellular respiration

A catabolic chemical process in which food, usually glucose is broken down to release energy to use for the bodies vital functions.

Word equation for respiration

glucose + oxygen --> carbon dioxide + water + energy (ATP)

Chemical equation for respiration

C6H12O6 + 6O2 --> 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP

Distinguish between aerobic and anaerobic respiration

Aerobic: Occurs in cytoplasm and mitochondria, up to 38 ATP, oxygen, glucose, pyruvates ( acetyl - CoA), carbon dioxide, water and ATP. Anaerobic: Occurs in cytoplasm, 2 ATP, glucose, lactic acid and ATP.

Explain the importance of ATP in the body and describe the relationship between ATP and ADP

ATP is the molecule that provides energy for the body. It is made up of an adeno molecule and triphosphates with energy stored in the bond between the second and third phosphate. When this energy is used the bond is broken and the third phosphate is lost creating and ADP molecule which is an adeno molecule and diphosphate. Another phosphate is then gained through energy from food (glucose) which turns the ADP molecule into an ATP molecule again.

State a minimum of 5 reasons for why cells of the body require energy

Active transport, movement of organelles, movement of whole cell, transmission of nerve impulses, cell division.