Catabolic and Anabolic Enzymes - Leaving Cert - Revision Notes - Biology

Enzymes Overview

• Enzymes are biological catalysts that alter the rate of a chemical reaction without being used up in the reaction.
• Play a crucial role in metabolism by catalyzing metabolic reactions such as respiration.
• Made from proteins, specifically globular proteins.
• Proteins consist of long chains of amino acids that fold into a 3D shape.

Metabolism

• Defined as the sum of all the chemical reactions in an organism.

Revision Question: What role do enzymes play in metabolism?

• Options:
  • Speed up reactions
  • Break down proteins
  • Store energy
  • Transport nutrients
• Correct Answer: Speed up reactions

Catabolic Reactions

• Involves the breakdown of larger molecules into smaller molecules (e.g., digestion).

Catabolic Enzymes

• Facilitate catabolic reactions by breaking large molecules into smaller ones.
• Example:
  • Amylase: Catalyzes the breakdown of starch into maltose.
  • Found in saliva and pancreatic juices.
• Mnemonic: Catabolic = Catastrophe (breaking down)

Revision Question: What is a function of catabolic enzymes?

• Options:
  • Construct larger molecules
  • Store energy for later use
  • Break down large molecules
  • Synthesize proteins from amino acids
• Correct Answer: Break down large molecules

Anabolic Reactions

• Involves the use of smaller molecules to form larger molecules (e.g., photosynthesis, protein synthesis).

Anabolic Enzymes

• Facilitate anabolic reactions by helping to combine smaller molecules into larger ones.
• Example:
  • DNA polymerase: Catalyzes DNA formation.
  • Found in all living cells.

Revision Question: What is the role of anabolic enzymes?

• Options:
  • Break down large molecules
  • Transport nutrients in cells
  • Combine small molecules to larger ones
  • Regulate cell division
• Correct Answer: Combine small molecules to larger ones

Additional Features

• Next Enzyme Action - The Induced Fit Model
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