Topic 1 2 3 and 4 Notes

Metabolism

All of the chemical reactions in an organism.

Catabolic Pathways

Metabolic pathways that release energy by breaking down complex molecules into simpler compounds.

Anabolic Pathways

Metabolic pathways that consume energy to build complicated molecules from simpler compounds.

Kinetic Energy

Energy associated with motion.

Potential Energy

Stored energy, including chemical energy available for release in a chemical reaction.

1st Law of Thermodynamics

Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transferred or transformed.

2nd Law of Thermodynamics

Energy transformation increases the entropy (disorder) of the universe.

Free Energy (ΔG)

The change in free energy that determines the likelihood of reactions in organisms.

Exergonic Reactions

Reactions that release energy (ΔG < 0) and occur spontaneously.

Endergonic Reactions

Reactions that absorb energy (ΔG > 0) and do not occur spontaneously.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

Cellular Respiration

The process of breaking down glucose to produce ATP, required by cells for energy.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

The primary energy carrier in all living organisms.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment found in plants that is key to photosynthesis.

Carbon Cycle

The biogeochemical cycle in which carbon is exchanged among the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere.

Ecology

The study of interactions between organisms and their environment.

Homeostasis

The process by which living organisms regulate their internal environment to maintain stable conditions.

Biomass

The total mass of living matter within a given area or volume.

Ecosystem

A community of living organisms interacting with their environment.

Food Web

A complex network of feeding relationships between organisms in an ecosystem.

Natural Selection

The process through which populations of living organisms adapt and change.

Species Diversity

The measure of the number of different species within a specific area.

Mutualism

A type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit.

Predation

The interaction between predator and prey.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum number of individuals that an environment can sustainably support.

Biogeochemical Cycles

Natural pathways through which essential elements of living matter are circulated.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that spread widely and can disrupt ecosystems.

Climate Change

Long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth's climate system.

Habitat Loss

The destruction or alteration of the natural environment affecting organisms living in that habitat.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.