Energy & Enzymes Quick Check

Front

What is metabolism in organisms?

Back

Metabolism consists of all the energy transformation reactions in an organism.

Front

What happens to entropy whenever energy is transformed?

Back

There is always an increase in the entropy of the universe.

Front

Why does a solution of starch at room temperature not readily decompose into simple sugars?

Back

The activation energy barrier for this reaction cannot be readily overcome.

Front

What is true for all exergonic reactions?

Back

The reaction proceeds with a net release of free energy.

Front

What is the relationship between the phosphorylation of ADP to ATP and the hydrolysis of ATP?

Back

These two reactions are coupled; phosphorylation is endergonic while hydrolysis is exergonic.

Front

Define exergonic reaction.

Back

An exergonic reaction is a chemical reaction that proceeds with a net release of free energy.

Front

What is activation energy?

Back

Activation energy is the minimum energy required to initiate a chemical reaction.

Front

What is the significance of coupled reactions in metabolism?

Back

Coupled reactions allow endergonic reactions to occur by using the energy released from exergonic reactions.

Front

How does temperature affect enzyme activity?

Back

Enzyme activity typically increases with temperature up to an optimal point, beyond which it may denature.

Front

What role do enzymes play in metabolic reactions?

Back

Enzymes act as catalysts to lower the activation energy of reactions, increasing the rate of the reaction.