Understanding Metabolism

The video explains metabolism as the sum of all chemical reactions in living cells. It covers the organization of these reactions into pathways, the role of enzymes in facilitating reactions, and the distinction between catabolic and anabolic reactions. The video also highlights the importance of enzymes in converting substrates into products and discusses the basic molecules involved in metabolism, such as amino acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Finally, it emphasizes the significance of these processes in energy conversion, building cellular structures, and waste elimination.

What is metabolism primarily described as?

• The circulation of blood

• The movement of muscles

• The sum of all chemical reactions in living cells

• The process of breathing

How are metabolic pathways organized?

• In pathways where one chemical is transformed into another

• In a linear sequence

• In a random sequence

• In a circular sequence

What is the role of enzymes in metabolic reactions?

• They slow down chemical reactions

• They act as substrates

• They speed up chemical reactions

• They convert products into substrates

Which of the following is a catabolic reaction?

• Synthesis of lipids

• Building up of proteins

• Formation of DNA

• Breaking down of compounds

What are substrates in the context of enzyme activity?

• The energy source for reactions

• The enzymes themselves

• The molecules upon which enzymes act

• The end products of a reaction

Approximately how many enzyme-controlled reactions occur in living organisms?

• 500,000

• 5,000

• 50,000

• 500

Which of the following is NOT a basic class of molecules involved in metabolism?

• Vitamins

• Lipids

• Carbohydrates

• Amino acids

What is the primary function of carbohydrates in metabolism?

• To store genetic information

• To provide energy

• To act as enzymes

• To form cell membranes

How are amino acids used in metabolism?

• As a source of energy

• To build proteins

• To form lipids

• To act as enzymes

What is the role of lipids in cellular processes?

• To store energy

• To form DNA

• To act as enzymes

• To provide structural support