Flashcards Exam 2 - UNFINISHED

what are photons

particles with radiant energy that energize photosystems to generate ATP, and convert CO2 to glucose (carbon fixation)

what is the name of the process that converts CO2 to glucose

carbon fixation

where does all energy come from

the sun

what is the first law of thermodynamics

energy is neither created or destroyed - but it can be transformed and transferred

what is the second law of thermodynamics

systems tend to move towards equilibrium (less order, lower energy states)

what is potenial energy

energy that is stored/waiting to be used

what is kinetic energy

energy that is moving/doing work

Autotroph

Makes its own food.

Heterotroph

Gets carbon/food from an external source.

Producer

Makes food and captures energy.

Consumer

Eats other organisms for energy.

Decomposer

Breaks down dead organic matter.

Prokaryote

No nucleus.

Eukaryote

Has a nucleus.

Main source of energy for most ecosystems

The Sun.

Main process plants use to capture light energy

Photosynthesis.

Main process cells use to release energy from food

Cellular respiration.

what is the anabolic pathway (metabolic pathways)

small molecules assemble into larger ones, requires energy. Glycosidic bond forms, makes disaccharides from glucose monomers

what is the catabolic pathway (metabolic pathways)

large molecules break down into smaller ones, releasing energy. Bonds break down and energy is released. Exergonic

what does exergonic mean

a chemical or physical reaction that releases free energy into its surroundings

what does endergonic mean

a chemical reaction or physical change that absorbs free energy from its surroundings

what is an enzyme

a type of protein that catalyzes chemical reactions by reacting or binding to a reactant (substrate) to catalyze the formation of a product

what things/actions can serve as a catalyst

heat, movement (shaking), enzymes, reaching a critical mass of reactants, light (photons), water

how is carbon obtained

autotrophs, heterotrophs, or mixotrophs (ex. Lichen)

what is an autotroph

organisms that make their own food from simple inorganic substances using light or chemical energy

what is a heterotroph

a living thing that cannot make its own food and must eat other plants, animals, or organic matter for energy and nutrients

what is a mixotroph

an organism that can use a mix of different sources of energy and carbon instead of relying on just one

how is energy transferred in a biosynthetic pathway

organotrophic or lithotrophic

what is organotrophic

an organism or metabolic process that gets its energy and electrons by breaking down organic compounds like sugars, fats, and proteins.

what is lithotrophic

organisms that obtain energy by consuming and oxidizing inorganic compounds and minerals rather than organic materials

how is energy obtained

phototrophs: from light

Heterotrophs: from eating

what is latic acid fermentation

involved bacteria that makes things like milk go sour

what is alcohol fermentation

involves yeast that makes alcoholic beverages like beer and wine