Tutor profile: Eleanor T.

Describe the difference between an anabolic enzyme and a catabolic enzyme.

An anabolic enzyme combines smaller molecules into a larger one, with the input of ATP, while a catabolic enzyme involves the breaking down of a large molecule into smaller ones, creating ATP in the process.

What is the difference between molecular formula, empirical formula and structural formula?

Molecular formula refers to the total number of atoms within a molecule, while the structural formula gives information about how the atoms are arranged (or bonded) within a compound. Both of these will represent the actual number of atoms present. Empirical formula, on the other hand, is the smallest whole-number ratio of atoms to one another within a molecular, and does not represent the total number of atoms present.

Explain the opening and closing of valves during one cardiac cycle.

One cardiac cycle refers to period of time between the contraction of the atria and the relaxation of the ventricles. The purpose of the valves within the heart is to control the direction of blood flow. At the beginning of the cycle, all atria and ventricles are relaxed, allowing blood to flow into the atria. When the atrial muscles contract and increase the pressure of the blood, the tricuspid and bicuspid valves open, allowing blood to flow from the atria into the ventricles. As the blood pressure increases, the tricuspid and bicuspid valves close, in order to prevent backflow of blood into the atria. When the walls of the ventricles contract, the semilunar valves open to allow blood to flow out into the aorta and pulmonary artery. Once the ventricles begin to relax, the semilunar valves then close to prevent the flow of blood back into the ventricles. Then atria then contract again, and the process is repeated.