Integrative Physiology and Ecology: Energy Basics

Practice flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to energy basics in integrative physiology and ecology, based on the lecture notes.

Metabolism

The set of biochemical reactions that transforms biomolecules and transfers energy.

Kinetic Energy

Energy of motion; energy associated with movement.

Potential Energy

Stored energy; energy that is not currently doing work but can do so when released.

Thermodynamics

The laws governing energy flow in biological systems.

Chemical Reactions

Processes that involve the breaking and forming of bonds between atoms.

Enzymes

Protein catalysts that increase the rate of biochemical reactions.

Phototrophs

Organisms that obtain energy from sunlight.

Chemotrophs

Organisms that obtain energy from chemical compounds.

Autotrophs

Organisms that can convert inorganic carbon (e.g., CO2) into organic compounds.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that cannot synthesize their own food and rely on consuming others for energy.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

A molecule that serves as a primary energy carrier in cells.

Catabolism

The breakdown of larger molecules into smaller units, releasing energy.

Anabolism

The process of building larger molecules from smaller units, requiring energy input.

Cellular Respiration

The process by which cells convert nutrients into energy (ATP).

Glycolysis

The first step in cellular respiration where glucose is partially oxidized to produce pyruvate, ATP, and reduced electron carriers.

Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle)

A series of chemical reactions used by all aerobic organisms to generate energy through the oxidation of acetate.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of complexes in the mitochondrial membrane that transfers electrons and pumps protons to generate ATP.

NADH and FADH2

Reduced forms of electron carriers produced during glycolysis and the citric acid cycle that carry high-energy electrons to the electron transport chain.

Fermentation

The metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen.

Lactic Acid Fermentation

A metabolic process where pyruvate from glycolysis is converted into lactic acid.

Ethanol Fermentation

A metabolic process where pyruvate is converted to ethanol and carbon dioxide.

Glycogen

A form of stored glucose in animals, primarily stored in the liver and muscle.

Starch

A form of stored glucose in plants.

Regulation of Cellular Respiration

The control mechanisms that adjust the pathways of cellular respiration based on the energy needs of the cell.

Phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1)

A key regulatory enzyme in the glycolysis pathway that is activated when ATP levels are low.