Free Term Papers on Cellular Functions

OPPapers.com Essay Index >> Science >> Cellular Functions

We have many free term papers and essays on Cellular Functions. We also have a wide variety of research papers and book reports available to you for free. You can browse our collection of term papers or use our search engine.

Essays from FratFiles.com
  1. Cellular Functions

    CELLULAR FUNCTIONS. By GERARD CHRETIEN BIOLOGY Cellular Pathways Several
    principles govern metabolic pathways in the cell: A. Complex ...

  2. Exercise

    ... cellular activity. Cytoplasm – contains various organelles that are concerned
    with specific cellular functions. One such organelle ...

  3. Cells And Cell Theory

    ... However, they have no membrane-bound organelles, so they do not have some
    of the cellular functions that eukaryotes do. Prokaryotes ...

  4. Ozone

    ... With the increase in the UV-B radiation, more damage is done to cellular functions
    then the natural protection system can deal with (Environment Canada, 1996). ...

  5. Mytonic Muscular Dystrophy

    ... affect the function of more than one gene, or it may cause build ups of genetic
    material in the nuclei of cells, therefore affects various cellular functions. ...

View More Papers...

Cellular Functions

Submitted by oppapers on June 2, 2002

Category: Science
Words: 2128 | Pages: 9
Views: 641
Popularity Rank: 11,754
Average Member Grade: N/A (Add a Comment / Grade this Paper)

By GERARD CHRETIEN BIOLOGY

Cellular Pathways


Several principles govern metabolic pathways in the cell:

A. Complex chemical transformations in the cell do not occur in a single reaction, but in a number of small steps that are connected in a pathway.

B. Each reaction is catalyzed by a specific enzyme.

C. Metabolic pathways is catalyzed by a specific enzyme.

D. Many metabolic pathways are compartmentalized, with certain steps occurring inside an organelle.

E. Metabolic pathways in organisms are regulated by the activities of a few enzyme.


Obtaining Energy and Electrons from Glucose


The most common fuel for living cells is the sugar Glucose.


Cells trap energy while metabolizing glucose


If glucose is burned in a flame, it readily forms carbon dioxide, water, and a lot of energy----but only if oxygen gas(O2) is present. The balance equation for this combustion reaction is:

C6 H12 O6 + 6 O2 ---- 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + ENERGY (HEAT AND LIGHT)

This same equation applies to the metabolism of glucose in cells, except that metabolism is a multi-step, controlled series of reactions, ending up with almost half of the energy captured in ATP.

Three metabolic processes play roles in the utilization of glucose for energy: GLYCOSIS, CELLULAR RESPIRATION, AND FERMENTATION.

A. Glycosis is a series of reactions that begins the metabolism of glucose in all cells and produces the three-carbon product pyruvate. A small amount of the energy stored in the glucose is released in usable form.

B. Cellular Respiration occurs when the environment is aerobic (contains oxygen gas , O2), and essentially converts pyruvate to carbon (CO2). In the...

You must Login to view the entire paper.
If you are not a member yet, Sign Up for free!