What does the 1st law of thermodynamics state?
Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can be transformed or transferred
This law emphasizes the conservation of energy in physical processes.
What does the 2nd law of thermodynamics indicate?
Energy transformation increases entropy; some energy is lost as heat
This law highlights the direction of energy transfer and the tendency towards disorder.
Define catabolic pathways.
Pathways that break down complex molecules and release energy
These pathways are essential for energy production in cells.
Define anabolic pathways.
Pathways that build complex molecules and require energy
These pathways are crucial for biosynthesis and growth.
What are enzymes?
Proteins that catalyze reactions by lowering activation energy
Enzymes are vital for facilitating biochemical reactions in living organisms.
What are cofactors?
Non-protein molecules that bond to enzymes and assist enzyme function
Cofactors can be metal ions or organic molecules.
What can cause denaturation of enzymes?
(loss of both structure and function of enzyme, causing it to unfold)
Caused by temperature where it breaks hydrogen and ionic bonds holding the shape together
PH levels disrupting hydrogen bond, alter charges on AA
Chemical environment
These factors disrupt the bonds that maintain enzyme structure.
What happens at low substrate concentrations?
Infrequent collision with enzyme and slow reaction rate
This affects the overall efficiency of enzymatic reactions.
What are competitive inhibitors?
Block substrates from binding to active site (can be reversed with increased substrate concentration)
Competitive inhibition can be overcome by increasing substrate levels.
What are noncompetitive inhibitors?
Bind to an area other than active sites (allosteric sites), causing the shape of active sites to change
This type of inhibition cannot be reversed by increasing substrate concentration.
What is the difference between permanent and reversible inhibitors?
- Permanent: binds with covalent bonds
- Reversible: binds to weak interactions
The binding nature affects the duration of inhibition.
What is allosteric regulation?
Regulatory molecules bind to allosteric site, which either increases or decreases enzyme activity
This regulation is crucial for metabolic control.
What is photosynthesis?
Conversion of light energy to chemical energy (plants are autotrophs)
Photosynthesis is essential for producing organic compounds in plants.
Define autotrophs.
Organisms that produce their own food
Examples include plants and some bacteria.
Define heterotrophs.
Organisms that consume other organisms for food
Examples include animals and fungi.
What role do pigments play in photosynthesis?
Contain electrons that absorb light energy for photosynthesis
Chlorophyll is the primary pigment involved.
What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis?
6CO2 + 12H2O = C6H12O6 + 6H2O + 6O2
This equation summarizes the overall process of photosynthesis.
In photosynthesis, what does oxidation refer to?
Loss of electrons
This is part of the redox reactions occurring during the process.
In photosynthesis, what does reduction refer to?
Gain of electrons
This is essential for the formation of glucose.
Where do light reactions occur in photosynthesis?
Thylakoid membrane
This is where solar energy is converted to chemical energy.
What do light reactions produce?
- ATP
- NADPH
These products are used in the Calvin cycle.
What happens in Photosystem 2?
p680
Takes electrons and replaces lost electrons by taking electrons from water, causing it to split
This process releases oxygen as a byproduct.
What is chemiosmosis?
H+ flows down its gradient, passing through ATP synthase driving ATP production from ADP + P1
This process is crucial for ATP synthesis during photosynthesis.
What does the Calvin Cycle use to produce G3P?
- ATP
- NADPH
These are the energy carriers generated in the light reactions.
