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BioCont. - Chapter 8
Metabolism/Enzymes
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Metabolism | The sum of an organism's chemical reactions |
| Catabolic Reactions | The breakdown of molecules which leads to a release of energy. |
| Anabolic Reactions | The building of more complex molecules through the absorption of energy. |
| Kinetic Energy | The energy of motion, often associated with thermal energy. |
| Potential Energy | Stored energy that is able to be used to do work, is found in the bonds of molecules (chemical energy). |
| First Law of Thermodynamics | Energy can never be created or destroyed, it can only change forms. |
| Second Law of Thermodynamics | Whenever a reaction takes place, there is an increase in entropy and a release of energy. |
| Exergonic Reactions | A reaction that takes place on its own and releases energy. |
| Endergonic Reactions | Reactions that only take place when energy is absorbed (not spontaneous). |
| Free Energy | Energy that can be used to perform functions or reactions. |
| Three types of work done by cells | Chemical, Transport, and Mechanical |
| ATP | Adenosine Triphosphate - The primary molecule used to make reactions take place |
| Catalyst | A substance that changes the rate at which reactions occur by lowering the activation energy |
| Enzyme | A protein that takes the role as a biological catalyst |
| Activation Energy | The energy required to make a reaction take place |
| Substrate | The substance that an enzyme acts on. |
| Active Site | The area on a protein where a substrate binds. |
| Cofactor | Non-protein substance that help proteins function (minerals/metals such as zinc, copper, and iron) |
| Coenzyme | An organic cofactor such as vitamins |
| Allosteric Regulation | The binding of a substance to a protein that causes the protein to change shape and function (can act as an activator, inhibitor or cooperatively) |
| Feedback Inhibition | The products made by an enzyme turn off the enzyme so there is not too much product being made |