Thermodynamics and Cellular Processes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to thermodynamics, metabolism, cellular respiration, and photosynthesis.

First Law of Thermodynamics

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

Endergonic Reaction

A reaction that requires energy input.

Exergonic Reaction

A reaction that releases energy.

Exothermic Reaction

A reaction that releases heat.

Endothermic Reaction

A reaction that absorbs heat.

ATP

A molecule that stores energy for cellular processes.

ADP

A molecule formed when ATP loses a phosphate group.

Redox Reaction

A reaction involving the transfer of electrons; oxidation is loss and reduction is gain of electrons.

Glycolysis

The breakdown of glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP and NADH.

Krebs Cycle

The cycle that processes acetyl-CoA to produce ATP, NADH, and FADH₂.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of proteins in the inner mitochondrial membrane that produce ATP using electrons.

Anaerobic Respiration

Respiration that occurs without oxygen, producing less ATP and byproducts like lactic acid.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy in glucose.

Chlorophyll

The main pigment in plants that absorbs light energy.

Calvin Cycle

The light-independent reactions in photosynthesis that convert CO₂ into glucose.

Photolysis

The splitting of water molecules to release oxygen in photosynthesis.

Substrate Phosphorylation

A process that generates ATP by transferring a phosphate group directly from a substrate.

Autotroph

An organism that produces its own food, typically through photosynthesis.

Heterotroph

An organism that obtains its energy by consuming other organisms.

Carbon Fixation

The process of converting inorganic CO₂ into organic compounds in photosynthesis.

Lactic Acid Fermentation

Anaerobic respiration in animals that produces lactic acid as a byproduct.

Acetyl-CoA

A molecule that transports carbon from pyruvate into the Krebs cycle.

NADH

A reduced electron carrier produced during glycolysis and the Krebs cycle.

FADH₂

A reduced electron carrier produced in the Krebs cycle that donates electrons to the ETC.

Photosystem

A protein and pigment complex that captures light energy in the thylakoid membranes.

Oxidation

The process of losing electrons or hydrogen, not necessarily involving oxygen.

Entropic Energy Loss

Energy lost as heat, contributing to the increase of entropy.

Overall Respiration Equation

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP, summarizing the cellular respiration process.