Biochemistry Chapter 3 Flashcards

Study Notes

Activation Energy and Enzymes

Activation Energy: Energy needed to initiate a chemical reaction by reaching the transition state.
Active Site: Specific region on an enzyme where substrates bind and undergo a chemical reaction.

Energy Transfer and Molecules

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP): Molecule that stores and transfers energy in cells; it can be hydrolyzed to release free energy.
Catalyst: Substance that decreases the activation energy of a reaction, enhancing reaction speed.

Reaction Dynamics

Exergonic Reactions: Reactions that release free energy and occur spontaneously; products have less free energy than reactants.
In exergonic reactions, the energy state of reactants is higher than that of the products.

Enzyme Models

Induced-Fit Model: Suggests enzymes undergo a conformational change upon substrate binding, called induced fit, enhancing the catalysis.
Lock-and-Key Model: Proposes a rigid enzyme structure acting as a lock that substrates, acting as keys, fit into perfectly before reaction.

Substrates and Reaction Intermediates

Substrate: Reactant on which an enzyme acts, determining specificity and efficiency of enzymatic reactions.
Transition State: Short-lived state during a reaction characterized by partial bonds of both old and new structures, critical for reaction progression.

Description

Test your knowledge on key concepts from Chapter 3 of biochemistry focusing on activation energy and enzyme interactions. These flashcards cover critical terms like activation energy, active sites, and ATP, essential for understanding biochemical reactions.