6 Questions
What is the ultimate function of metabolism within a microbe?
To reproduce the organism
Which statement accurately describes anabolic pathways?
They require energy for the synthesis of molecules.
What role do electron carriers play in metabolic reactions?
Transfer electrons from an electron donor to an electron acceptor
Which molecule stores energy that is essential for metabolic processes?
ATP
In which type of reaction do cells break down larger molecules into smaller products?
Catabolic
What is the primary function of enzymes in metabolic reactions?
Facilitate biochemical reactions by lowering activation energy
Study Notes
Metabolism Overview
- Metabolism is a collection of controlled biochemical reactions within a microbe that ultimately aims to reproduce the organism
Basic Chemical Reactions
- Eight statements guide metabolic processes:
- Every cell acquires nutrients
- Metabolism requires energy from light or catabolism of nutrients
- Energy is stored in adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
- Cells catabolize nutrients to form precursor metabolites
- Precursor metabolites, energy from ATP, and enzymes are used in anabolic reactions
- Enzymes plus ATP form macromolecules
- Cells grow by assembling macromolecules
- Cells reproduce once they have doubled in size
Types of Metabolic Reactions
- Two major classes of metabolic reactions:
-
Catabolic pathways:
- Break larger molecules into smaller products
- Exergonic (release energy)
-
Anabolic pathways:
- Synthesize large molecules from the smaller products of catabolism
- Endergonic (require more energy than they release)
-
Catabolic pathways:
Oxidation and Reduction Reactions
- Involve the transfer of electrons from an electron donor to an electron acceptor
- Reactions always occur simultaneously
- Cells use electron carriers to carry electrons (often in H atoms)
- Three important electron carriers:
- Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)
- Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+)
- Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)
Test your knowledge on microbial metabolism with this quiz covering the collection of controlled biochemical reactions that take place within a microbe. Explore the basic chemical reactions, metabolic processes, and the ultimate function of metabolism in reproducing the organism.
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