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