Energy of Life

A set of vocabulary flashcards to aid in understanding key concepts related to the energy of life as discussed in the lecture.

Kinetic Energy

Energy associated with motion.

Potential Energy

Energy that matter possesses because of its location or structure.

Radiant Energy

Energy from electromagnetic radiation such as light.

Chemical Energy

Potential energy available for release in a chemical reaction.

Thermal Energy

Kinetic energy associated with the random movement of atoms or molecules.

Bioenergetics

The study of how energy flows through living organisms.

Metabolism

The totality of an organism's chemical reactions.

ATP

The body's energy currency; adenosine triphosphate.

Joules

A unit of energy in the International System of Units.

First Law of Thermodynamics

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

Entropy

A measure of disorder in a system.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Energy transfers increase the entropy of the universe.

Exergonic Reaction

A reaction that proceeds with a net release of free energy.

Endergonic Reaction

A reaction that absorbs free energy from its surroundings.

Catabolic Reaction

A reaction that releases energy by breaking down complex molecules.

Anabolic Reaction

A reaction that consumes energy to build complex molecules.

Delta G (∆G)

A measure of the change in free energy during a reaction.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight to synthesize food.

Chemical Transformation

Changes that occur when reactants are converted to products.

Thermodynamics

The branch of physics that deals with heat and temperature.

Energy Transfer

The movement of energy from one location to another.

Carbohydrates

Organic compounds that are a major energy source for living organisms.

Fats

Esters of glycerol and fatty acids, important for energy storage.

Mechanical Energy

The sum of potential and kinetic energy in an object.

Entropy Increase

The tendency of energy to disperse and become disordered.

Chemical Waste

By-products produced during metabolic reactions.

Thermal Energy Loss

Energy often lost as heat during energy transformations.

Glycogen

A form of stored glucose in animals, used as energy.

catabolism

An exergonic reaction demonstrating heat release.

Cold Pack Reaction

An endergonic reaction that absorbs heat, causing a cooling effect.

Free Energy (G)

The portion of a system’s energy that can perform work.

Work Capacity

The ability of energy to perform tasks in a system.

Spontaneous Reaction

A reaction that occurs without needing to be driven by external energy.