BiochemistryLesson 1 of 5 in the course Metabolism

Cellular Energy Flow and Metabolic Pathways

5 flashcards · 4 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Living cells constantly carry out chemical reactions: some build molecules, while others break them down. These processes use or release energy, so cells must continually obtain and manage energy to function. This lesson introduces metabolism, follows the energy stored in carbohydrates, and explains why ATP is often called the cell’s energy currency.

All flashcards

What is bioenergetics?
The study of energy flow through living systems, including cells.
What is a metabolic intermediate?
A molecule formed in one pathway step and used in a later step.
What do anabolic pathways do?
They use energy to build complex molecules from smaller building blocks.
What do catabolic pathways do?
They break complex molecules into simpler ones and release energy.
What do shared metabolic pathways across life suggest?
They support the idea that organisms evolved from an ancient common ancestor.

Quiz questions

  1. What is a metabolic pathway?Answer: A series of connected reactions that transforms substrates through intermediates into products.
  2. Which description best fits an anabolic pathway?Answer: It uses energy to assemble larger molecules from smaller building blocks.
  3. What distinguishes fermentation from oxygen-dependent cellular respiration?Answer: Fermentation is a form of anaerobic metabolism that proceeds without oxygen.
  4. Why do shared metabolic pathways provide evidence about life's history?Answer: They support the idea that diverse organisms share an ancient common ancestor.

Based on Biology 2e by Mary Ann Clark, Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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