Metabolism and Nitrogen Cycle

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to metabolism, nitrogen cycle, and carbon cycle, essential for understanding biological processes.

Anabolism

The process of forming organic molecules; opposite of catabolism.

Catabolism

The breakdown of organic molecules.

Precursor Metabolites

Small organic molecules used in anabolic pathways, produced by catabolic or assimilatory pathways.

Nitrogen Cycle

The movement of reactive nitrogen through ecosystems, crucial for living organisms.

Bioavailable Nitrogen

Reactive nitrogen that is usable by living organisms, not in N2 gas form.

Amine Groups

Functional groups containing nitrogen essential for incorporating nitrogen into biomolecules.

Haber Process

Industrial process for synthesizing ammonia from nitrogen gas and hydrogen using a catalyst.

Nitrogen Fixation

An anabolic process converting inert N2 to ammonia (NH3), requiring ATP and reducing power.

Nitrification

A catabolic process converting ammonia to nitrites and nitrates, producing ATP.

Nitrogenase

An enzyme complex that catalyzes the nitrogen fixation process.

Dissimilation

The process of breaking down organic compounds, releasing energy.

Assimilatory Reduction

An anabolic process that incorporates nitrogen into biological molecules using ammonia.

Guano

Fertilizer from bird and bat excrement, rich in nitrogen compounds.

Photolithotrophic Algae

Genetically engineered algae that can produce significant metabolic impacts, such as CO2 absorption.

Carbon Cycle

The movement of carbon atoms in its various forms through the biosphere.

Calvin-Benson Cycle

A key metabolic pathway in autotrophs for fixing inorganic carbon.

Reductive TCA Cycle

A reverse Krebs cycle alternative for carbon fixation in some organisms.

Microbial Biofuels

Biofuels produced from microorganisms, often algae with high lipid content.

CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS)

Technologies designed to remove atmospheric CO2 and mitigate climate change.

Electrochemical Potential

The capacity for an electron transfer reaction to produce energy.

Ecosystem

A biological community interacting with its physical environment.

Organic Molecules

Molecules containing carbon, essential components of living organisms.

Inorganic Nitrogen Compounds

Nitrogen in forms like nitrates and ammonium, usable by organisms.

Lipid Accumulation

The process where algal cells store excess fatty acids, relevant for biofuels.

Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixers

Bacteria that live in close association with plants, often in root nodules.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

Molecule used to store and transfer energy in cells.

Reducing Power

The capacity of a chemical species to donate electrons to another species.

Chemolithotrophy

A form of metabolism where organisms derive energy from inorganic substances.

Chemoorganotrophy

A mode of metabolic energy acquisition from organic compounds.

Microbes

Microscopic organisms including bacteria, archaea, fungi, and algae.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits provided by ecosystems, such as nutrient cycling and CO2 absorption.

Organelles

Specialized structures within cells that perform distinct functions.

Synthesis of Biomolecules

The creation of complex molecules necessary for life processes.

Environmental Impact

Changes in the environment caused by human activities or natural phenomena.