Question

Discuss energy levels of protons, the difference between potential energy and kinetic energy (broadly).  

How do we build these massive molecules?

Why do we need enzymes?

Compare and contrast cellulose and starch

Answer 1

Protons move across an electrochemical gradient to form a Proton motive force which is used to do work. This Proton gradient is responsible for the movement of enzyme ATP synthase which synthesizes ATP from ADP. This generation of electrochemical gradient due to differential movement of protons across the membrane is called as chemiosmosis.

The most important difference between potential energy and kinetic energy is that, potential energy is due to location of a molecule and kinetic energy is due to movement or velocity of the molecule.

Massive molecules inside our body are made by anabolic reactions. Metabolic reactions are the sum total of all the reactions occurring inside in our body. Those reactions that lead to the synthesis of complex molecules from simple inorganic molecules are referred to as anabolic reactions. Those reactions that lead to the degradation of complex molecules into simple inorganic molecules are referred to as catabolic reactions.

We need enzyme to accelerate the speed of biological reactions so that, a cell is able to perform all of its cellular activities with great speed and accuracy. Any other molecule cannot replace enzymes because enzymes accelerate the rate of reaction by lowering activation energy without being consumed in the reaction themselves.

Cellulose is a polymer of beta D glucose which are joined together by beta 1,4 linkages, Where are starch is a polymer of amylose and amylopectin which are also polymer of glucose. Amylose and amylopectin both are polymers of aplha D glucose and have alpha 1,4 linkages.

Cellulose is a linear polymer whereas starch is a branched polymer.

​​​​​​Cellulose is a structural polysaccharide present in cell wall of plants whereas starch is a storage polysaccharide present as reserve food in plants.

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