What does the term metabolism refer to in biology?
Metabolism refers to all of the chemical reactions that occur within an organism.
What is a metabolic pathway?
A metabolic pathway is a series of chemical reactions that alter a substrate through multiple steps, each catalyzed by a specific enzyme, until a final product is produced.
How do enzymes function in metabolic pathways?
Enzymes work together in a sequence, each catalyzing a specific step to convert substrates into products along the pathway.
What are the two main types of metabolic pathways?
The two main types are catabolic pathways (catabolism) and anabolic pathways (anabolism).
What is the primary function of catabolic pathways?
Catabolic pathways break down larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy in the soprocess.
What is the primary function of anabolic pathways?
Anabolic pathways build larger molecules from smaller ones and require an input of energy.
Which type of metabolic pathway is associated with exergonic processes?
Catabolic pathways are associated with exergonic processes because they release energy.
Which type of metabolic pathway is associated with endergonic processes?
Anabolic pathways are associated with endergonic processes because they require energy input.
How can you remember the function of catabolism using an analogy?
You can remember catabolism by thinking of a cat breaking down a pyramid into smaller pieces.
What is the analogy used to describe anabolism?
Anabolism is compared to building up a pyramid from smaller building blocks.
In a metabolic pathway, what happens to the initial substrate?
The initial substrate is converted stepwise into intermediate products by enzymes until the final product is formed.
What role do enzymes play in the conversion of substrates in metabolic pathways?
Each enzyme catalyzes a specific step, converting one substrate into another until the pathway is complete.
What is the difference between the energy changes in catabolic and anabolic pathways?
Catabolic pathways release energy, while anabolic pathways require energy input.
Give an example of a molecule that might be built by an anabolic pathway.
DNA and proteins are examples of molecules built by anabolic pathways.
Why can't a cat be used as an analogy for anabolism?
Because a cat can only break things down (like in catabolism), not build them up as in anabolism.