Lecture 3

Question 1

What is catabolism?

Answer 1

Catabolism is the breakdown of molecules and is degradative and exergonic, meaning it releases energy. Some catabolic reactions are hydrolytic, meaning they require water input as a reactant.

Question 2

What is anabolism?

Answer 2

Anabolism is the building up of molecules and is biosynthetic and endergonic, meaning it requires energy input. Some anabolic reactions are dehydration reactions, meaning that water is released.

Question 3

What are reduction-oxidation reactions (RedOx)?

Answer 3

RedOx reactions involve the transfer of electrons between molecules. Oxidation is the loss of electrons. Reduction is the gain of electrons.

Question 4

What are cofactors and coenzymes?

Answer 4

Cofactors and coenzymes are molecules that change the shape of an enzyme’s binding site to allow binding of the substrate. Cofactors are inorganic metal ions, and coenzymes are organic molecules.

Question 5

What factors affect the rate of enzyme-catalysed reactions?

Answer 5

Several factors can affect the rate of enzyme-catalysed reactions, including temperature, pH, substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, and the presence of inhibitors.

Question 6

What are enzyme inhibitors?

Answer 6

Enzyme inhibitors are molecules that prevent a product from being formed. Competitive inhibitors compete for the active site of the enzyme, while non-competitive inhibitors bind to an allosteric site, causing a change in the active site.