Introduction to Metabolism

Enzyme activity

Free Energy

Thermodynamics

Metabolism

Catabolism

Anabolism

Energy

Potential

Kinetic

Definition: Energy associated with the relative motion of objects

Example: Thermal energy, random movement of molecules

Definition: Energy of a non-moving object, not kinetic

Example: Potential energy avaliable for release in a chemical reaction

Definition: Breaking down complex molecules to simpler compounds

Example: Cellular respiration

Defintion: Build complicated molecules from simpler ones

Example: Synthesis of proteins from amino acids

First Law

Second Law

Definition: Energy can be transformed, but not created or destroyed

Example: Electrical energy from outlet to light in lamp

Definition: Every energy transformation increases the entropy of the universe

Example: The gradual decay and decomposition of a rock overtime

Entropy

Definition: Measure of molecular disorder

Application: Reactions tend to move things from order to disorder (Spontaneous reactions)

Equation: ∆G = ∆H - T∆S


Application

Definition: portion of a system's energy that can perform work

Spontaneous/Exergonic

Non-spontaneous/Endergonic

Equation components

∆H: Enthalpy

T: Temperature

∆G: Gibb's Free Energy

∆S: Entropy

Role

Mechanism

Facilitate reactions

Lower activation energy

Influencers

Temperature

Substrate concentration: Higer the concetration of substrate, more activity

pH

Regulation

Cannot occur naturally, without outside input

Can occur naturally under proper conditions

Regulate metabolism

Substrate

Change substrate shape

Change substrate position

Driven by

Energy coupling: The use of exergonic processes to drive an endergonic one

ATP involvement

Enzymes optimal in certain range

Cofactors: Aid the activity of the enzyme

Inhibitors

Definition: Reactant an enzyme acts on

Action in enzyme substrate complex

Competitive: block substrate from entering active site

Noncompetitive: Alter enzyme itself