AP Biology - Unit 3 Flashcard 1

Front

What is an exergonic reaction?

Back

An exergonic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy, typically in the form of heat or light.

Front

What are cofactors in enzyme function?

Back

Cofactors are non-protein molecules, often metals, that assist enzymes in catalyzing reactions.

Front

What is non-competitive inhibition?

Back

Non-competitive inhibition occurs when a molecule binds to an allosteric site on an enzyme, reducing its activity regardless of substrate concentration.

Front

What characterizes anabolic pathways?

Back

Anabolic pathways are metabolic pathways that consume energy to build complex molecules from simpler ones.

Front

What is competitive inhibition?

Back

Competitive inhibition occurs when a molecule competes with the substrate for binding to the active site of an enzyme.

Front

Define endergonic reaction.

Back

An endergonic reaction is a chemical reaction that requires an input of energy to proceed.

Front

What role do enzymes play in biological reactions?

Back

Enzymes act as catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy required.

Front

What is the difference between competitive and non-competitive inhibition?

Back

Competitive inhibition involves a molecule competing for the active site, while non-competitive inhibition involves binding to an allosteric site.

Front

What is an allosteric site?

Back

An allosteric site is a site on an enzyme where a molecule can bind, causing a change in the enzyme's activity.

Front

What is the significance of enzyme-substrate specificity?

Back

Enzyme-substrate specificity ensures that enzymes catalyze only specific reactions, maintaining metabolic efficiency.