Difference between Catabolic and Anabolic Pathways * Catabolic Pathways release energy by breaking down complex molecules into simpler compounds. (eg Glucose catabolism) * Anabolic Pathways consume energy to build complex molecules from simpler ones. (eg amino acids to proteins)
Exergonic and Endergonic Reactions * An exergonic reaction proceeds with a net release of free energy and is spontaneous (energy released) * An endergonic reaction absorbs free energy from its surroundings and is nonspontaneous. (energy required)
Spontaneous Process * Can occur without net energy input, can occur quickly or slowly. * During a spontaneous change, free energy decreases and the stability of the system increases. * Equilibrium is a state of maximum stability. * A process is spontaneous and can only perform work when it is moving toward equilibrium.
Substrate Specificity of Enzymes * The reactant that the enzyme acts on is called the enzymes substrate. * The enzyme binds to its substrate forming an enzyme substrate complex. * The active site is the region on the enzyme where the substrate binds. * Induced fit of a substrate brings chemical groups of the active site into positions that enhance their ability to catalyse the reaction.
Difference between Competitive and Noncompetitive Inhibitors * Competitive inhibitors bind to the active site of an enzyme; competing with the substrate. * Noncompetitive inhibitors bind to another part of an enzyme, causing the enzyme to change shape and making the active site less effective.
Allosteric Activation and Inhibation * The binding of an activator stabilizes the active form of the enzyme. * The binding of an inhibitor stabilizes the inactive form of the enzyme.

Differences between DNA and RNA
DNA
* DNA occurs as two paired strands are twisted into a double helix.