Intro to metabolism

ADP

(Adenosine Diphosphate) The compound that remains when a phosphate group is removed from ATP, releasing energy

ATP

(adenosine triphosphate) main energy source that cells use for most of their work

endergonic reaction

A nonspontaneous chemical reaction, in which free energy is absorbed from the surroundings.

metabolic pathway

A series of chemical reactions that either builds a complex molecule or breaks down a complex molecule into simpler compounds.

exergonic reaction

A spontaneous chemical reaction in which there is a net release of free energy.

Macromolecules

A very large organic molecule composed of many smaller molecules

Energy is used to combine amino acid building blocks in order to build a large protein. What type of reaction is this?

Anabolic reaction In anabolic reactions, energy is consumed in order to synthesize larger molecules from smaller ones.

What is the relationship between anabolism and catabolism?

Anabolism builds molecules using the energy produced during catabolism. Anabolic reactions require energy to build larger molecules from smaller molecules. This energy is provided by catabolic reactions, which release energy as they break down complex molecules into simpler ones.

Metabolism

the chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.

During intense exercise, your body has the ability to undergo gluconeogenesis, a process in which certain small molecules already within the body are combined together and built into new glucose molecules that can be used by cells. What are the proper terms used to metabolically describe gluconeogenesis?

It is an anabolic process with endergonic reactions that require an input of energy. Gluconeogenesis is an anabolic process because it involves building glucose molecules through endergonic reactions that require the input of energy (ATP) to work.

A+B+C+energy⟶ABC Which best describes the reaction ?

It is an anabolic reaction. This reaction is anabolic, since it consumes energy to build a more complex molecule from smaller ones.

During glycolysis, the molecule glucose is broken down into pyruvate. What type of reaction is this?

Catabolic reaction In catabolic reactions, energy is released as complex molecules are broken down into smaller ones.

It is the breakdown of larger molecules into smaller ones. In catabolism, complex molecules are broken down into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process.

Catabolism

Enzymes

Catalysts for chemical reactions in living things

Photosynthesis

Conversion of light energy from the sun into chemical energy.

During the Calvin cycle of photosynthesis, a plant cell uses carbon dioxide to synthesize large carbohydrates. Is energy produced or consumed?

Energy is Consumed. This reaction is anabolic: building a larger molecule (carbohydrate) from a smaller one. Anabolic processes require energy to occur.

Why do you, as a living organism, need to continually consume food?

Food is broken down by catabolic pathways and converted to ATP, which is then used to fuel anabolic pathways. Food can only provide energy for the body if it's properly catabolized (broken down) through exergonic reactions, converted to ATP, and then used to power the endergonic, build-up reactions of anabolism.

People who can digest lactose, a disaccharide, have the ability to break it down into glucose and galactose, two monosaccharides. People who are lactose intolerant cannot properly break down lactose. What are the proper terms to metabolically describe the process of digesting lactose?

It is a catabolic process with an exergonic reaction that results in an output of energy. Lactose digestion is a catabolic process because it involves breaking down lactose through exergonic reactions that release energy (ATP), ultimately resulting in glucose and galactose.

1. AB⟶A+ B + energy What best describes the reaction

It is a catabolic reaction. This reaction is catabolic, since it releases energy as a complex molecule is broken down into smaller ones.

When someone says they have a "fast" metabolism, they are referring to the fact that they are able to efficiently break down complex molecules at a higher rate than the average person. What best describes someone with a "slow" metabolism?

Low rate of catabolism Someone with a "slow" metabolism would have a low catabolic rate because their ability to break down complex molecules occurs at a slower, less efficient rate than someone with a "fast" metabolism.

Catabolism

Metabolic pathways that break down molecules, releasing energy.

Anabolism

Metabolic pathways that construct molecules, requiring energy.

anabolic pathways

Metabolic pathways that consume energy to build complicated molecules from simpler ones.

catabolic pathways

Metabolic pathways that release energy by breaking down complex molecules into simpler compounds.

cellular respiration

Process that releases energy by breaking down glucose and other food molecules in the presence of oxygen