2.5 Cell metabolism

Metabolic pathways

Metabolic Pathways

• Definition: Series of chemical reactions occurring within a cell, involving enzymes that transform molecules into different substances.

• Types:

  • Anabolic Pathways: Synthesize molecules and require energy.

  • Catabolic Pathways: Break down molecules and release energy.

  Disadvantages - problem with an enzyme the pathway wont continue

  Importance - aerobic respiration

• Factors influencing - temp, ph , enzymes , chemical inhibitors and substrate concentration

  Advantages

  • Provides energy for cellular processes.

  • Synthesizes molecules essential for growth and maintenance.

  • can be more easily controlled

  • energy efficient and it releases small amounts of heat

  • larger step cause higher temps and ph in-balance causing denature