Biology HL
Biology HL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Mastering Feedback Inhibition in Metabolic Pathways

Word Count Emoji
444 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

🚀 Main Idea: Just like how a thermostat maintains the temperature of a room, cells have a system called "feedback inhibition" to make sure their metabolic pathways create just the right amount of products - not too little, not too much!

What's the buzz with feedback inhibition?

  • It's like the traffic controller of the metabolic world!
  • Ensures balance in substance production.
  • Uses the end product of a reaction series to control the whole pathway.

Example: Imagine making a pizza. If you've made enough cheese pizzas for a party, you'd stop making more. In the world of cells, feedback inhibition ensures you don't overdo the cheese pizza (or any other product)!

How does it work? dive into the details

  • The end product of a pathway can bind to the first enzyme's allosteric site.
  • Allosteric site? Think of it as a side entrance to a concert, not the main entrance.
  • When the end product binds, it changes the shape of the active site (main entrance) of the enzyme.
  • This means no more reactions for now, kinda like blocking the concert's main entrance.

Real-World Analogy: Imagine a door with a handle (active site). If someone puts a big lock (end product) on a side latch (allosteric site), the door handle changes shape, and you can't open it!

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IB Resources
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Mastering Feedback Inhibition in Metabolic Pathways

Word Count Emoji
444 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

🚀 Main Idea: Just like how a thermostat maintains the temperature of a room, cells have a system called "feedback inhibition" to make sure their metabolic pathways create just the right amount of products - not too little, not too much!

What's the buzz with feedback inhibition?

  • It's like the traffic controller of the metabolic world!
  • Ensures balance in substance production.
  • Uses the end product of a reaction series to control the whole pathway.

Example: Imagine making a pizza. If you've made enough cheese pizzas for a party, you'd stop making more. In the world of cells, feedback inhibition ensures you don't overdo the cheese pizza (or any other product)!

How does it work? dive into the details

  • The end product of a pathway can bind to the first enzyme's allosteric site.
  • Allosteric site? Think of it as a side entrance to a concert, not the main entrance.
  • When the end product binds, it changes the shape of the active site (main entrance) of the enzyme.
  • This means no more reactions for now, kinda like blocking the concert's main entrance.

Real-World Analogy: Imagine a door with a handle (active site). If someone puts a big lock (end product) on a side latch (allosteric site), the door handle changes shape, and you can't open it!

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟