Unit 7

Describe the flow of energy

The movement of energy in a linear function within an ecosystem, where compounds cycle between photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Ecosystem

A system consisting of living and nonliving things, with the sun as the main source of light.

Photosynthesis

The process that converts sunlight into organic molecules and oxygen as waste, fueling cellular respiration.

Cellular respiration

The process that uses the waste products of photosynthesis as fuel to produce ATP for cellular work, with carbon dioxide and water as waste.

Heat energy

Energy that cannot be recycled within an ecosystem.

Entropy

The generation of waste energy and waste products in cellular respiration, leading to an increase in disorder.

Simplified chemical formula for cellular respiration

The equation representing the conversion of oxygen and glucose into carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy.

Coupling reactions

The process of converting ADP and Pi into ATP, using energy from glucose to create potential and chemical energy.

Redox reactions

Reactions involving oxidation (loss of electrons) and reduction (gain of electrons), performed by dehydrogenase.

Phosphorylation

The process of adding a phosphate group to a chemical.

Substrate level phosphorylation

Phosphorylation that occurs when a phosphate group from an organic molecule is transferred to another organic molecule.

Oxidative phosphorylation

Phosphorylation that occurs when a chemical gains a phosphate group using energy from the oxidation of another chemical.

Glycolysis

The process that converts glucose into two pyruvates, producing ATP and NADH.

Linkage reaction

The step between glycolysis and the Krebs cycle, producing CO2 and NADH.

Krebs cycle

The cycle that traps energy from Acetyl CoA in NADH, FADH2, and ATP.

Electron carriers

NADH and FADH2, which transport electrons in the Krebs cycle.

Electron Transport Chain

The process that uses electron carriers to produce ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.

Poisons

Substances that interfere with the electron transport chain and ATP production.

Fermentation

The process of producing energy in the absence of oxygen, either through lactic acid or alcohol fermentation.