Front

What is an exergonic reaction?

Back

A chemical reaction in which the products have less chemical potential energy than the reactants, resulting in the release of energy.

Front

What is an endergonic reaction?

Back

A chemical reaction in which the products have more chemical potential energy than the reactants, requiring an input of energy.

Front

What does the term 'activation energy' refer to?

Back

The minimum amount of energy required for a chemical reaction to occur.

Front

What role do enzymes play in chemical reactions?

Back

Enzymes act as molecular catalysts that lower the activation energy needed for reactions to occur.

Front

What is a competitive inhibitor?

Back

A substance that competes with the substrate for binding to the active site of an enzyme, potentially slowing down the reaction.

Front

How can the effects of a competitive inhibitor be overcome?

Back

By increasing the concentration of the substrate, which can outcompete the inhibitor for the active site.

Front

What are optimal conditions for enzyme activity?

Back

The specific temperature and pH range at which an enzyme functions most effectively.

Front

What is the difference between anabolic and catabolic reactions?

Back

Anabolic reactions build larger molecules from smaller ones (require energy), while catabolic reactions break down larger molecules into smaller ones (release energy).

Front

What is free energy?

Back

The energy in a system that can be used to do work; it is a measure of a system's potential to perform useful work.

Front

What is the significance of the enzyme-substrate complex?

Back

It is the intermediate formed when an enzyme binds to its substrate, facilitating the conversion of substrate to product.