Metabolism Flashcards – AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy (8464) — Biology — Foundation

What energy transfer occurs in cellular respiration?

It is an exothermic process that transfers energy from nutrient molecules.

When and where does cellular respiration occur?

Continuously in living cells.

What are two living processes supplied with energy by respiration?

Chemical reactions that build larger molecules, and movement.

How can heat transferred during respiration benefit an organism?

It helps the organism keep warm.

Why does anaerobic respiration transfer much less energy per glucose molecule than aerobic respiration?

Glucose is incompletely oxidised during anaerobic respiration.

What are the formulas for glucose, oxygen, carbon dioxide and water?

Glucose: $\ce{C6H12O6}$; oxygen: $\ce{O2}$; carbon dioxide: $\ce{CO2}$; water: $\ce{H2O}$.

How can plants use glucose to release energy for cellular processes?

They use it in respiration.

What two forms can plants convert glucose into for storage?

Insoluble starch and fats and oils.

What is the role of cellulose made from glucose in plants?

It strengthens plant cell walls.

How is glucose used to make proteins in plants?

Glucose is used to produce amino acids, which are joined together to make proteins.

How do plants obtain the nitrogen needed for amino acid and protein synthesis?

They absorb nitrate ions from the soil through their roots.

What is metabolism?

The sum of all chemical reactions in a cell or organism.

How often do metabolic reactions occur?

Continually.

What controls metabolic reactions?

Enzymes.

What two broad types of reactions are included in metabolism?

Reactions that break down molecules and reactions that synthesise new molecules from smaller substances.

What is the role of respiration in metabolism?

It transfers energy for other processes, including the synthesis of larger molecules.

How is glycogen, an animal storage carbohydrate, formed?

Glucose molecules are joined together.

What molecules are joined to form a triglyceride lipid?

One glycerol molecule and three fatty acid molecules.