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Describe the main purpose of understanding microbial metabolism in cells.
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Understanding microbial metabolism is crucial as it allows for cellular growth, reproduction, and maintenance of homeostasis.
Explain the role of free energy (G) in reaction dynamics.
Free energy determines whether a reaction releases energy (exergonic) or requires energy input (endergonic).
How is glycolysis integrated into broader metabolic pathways?
Glycolysis serves as a key step in carbohydrate catabolism, producing intermediates for fermentation, respiration, and anabolic pathways.
Explain how cells regulate metabolic pathways.
Cells regulate metabolic pathways by controlling enzyme availability and activity, thereby directing resources between catabolic and anabolic processes based on cellular needs.
Define amphibolic pathways and provide an example.
Amphibolic pathways function in both catabolism and anabolism, such as the Krebs Cycle.
What are the major macronutrients required for cellular processes?
The major macronutrients include carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
What distinguishes catabolism from anabolism in metabolic processes?
Catabolism involves breaking down molecules and releasing energy, whereas anabolism involves building molecules and requires energy input.
What are the functions of the pentose phosphate pathway?
The pentose phosphate pathway generates NADPH for biosynthetic reactions and provides ribose-5-phosphate for nucleotide synthesis.
Describe how chemotrophs derive their energy.
Chemotrophs obtain energy by oxidizing chemical compounds; chemoorganotrophs use organic compounds, while chemolithotrophs use inorganic compounds.
What is gluconeogenesis and why is it important?
Gluconeogenesis is the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, vital for maintaining blood glucose levels during fasting.
How do enzymes influence metabolic reactions?
Enzymes catalyze reactions by lowering the activation energy needed, thereby increasing the rate of the reaction without being consumed.
What role do co-factors play in enzymatic reactions?
Co-factors assist enzymes in catalytic activity, often aiding in the transfer of chemical groups during reactions.
Differentiate between oxygenic and anoxygenic phototrophs.
Oxygenic phototrophs produce oxygen as a byproduct of photosynthesis, whereas anoxygenic phototrophs do not.
What process regenerates NAD+ for use in glycolysis during anaerobic conditions?
Fermentation regenerates NAD+ allowing glycolysis to continue producing ATP in anaerobic conditions.
What is the primary energy carrier in cells and how is energy released from it?
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is the primary energy carrier, and energy is released through the hydrolysis of its phosphate bonds.
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