ATP-ADP

Energy Transformations

The process of changing energy from one form to another, also known as energy conversion.

Thermodynamics

The study of energy relationships, transformations, and exchanges.

Law of Conservation of Energy (Physics)

States that energy can be transformed or converted from one form to another.

Law of Conservation of Energy (Biology)

States that cells have no way to produce new energy.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

States that energy cannot be destroyed but some becomes unusable; organisms cannot recycle energy.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

The most common energy carrier; a molecule made of adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups.

Chemical Work

A function of ATP where it provides energy required for producing complex substances.

Mechanical Work

A function of ATP where it provides energy for cells and tissues to perform their functions.

Transport Work

A function of ATP where it provides energy for substances to move.

Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP)

The molecule formed when ATP breaks and loses a phosphate group, releasing energy.

Endergonic Reaction

A chemical reaction that requires energy to commence.

Exergonic Reaction

A spontaneous chemical reaction where products are at a lower energy level than reactants.

Hydrolysis Reaction

The process of breaking chemical bonds by using water.

Phosphorylation

The process of adding a phosphate group to a biomolecule.

Energy Coupling

Occurs when the energy produced by one reaction or system is used to drive another.

Coupled Biochemical Reaction

Happens when free energy from an exergonic reaction is used to initiate an endergonic reaction.

ATP-ADP Cycle

The process where ATP is broken down to ADP to release energy, and ADP is rebuilt into ATP using energy.