Cellular Energy Vocab A

ATP

The energy molecule found in all living things.

ADP

A nucleotide that has two phosphate groups attached to it.

First Law of Thermodynamics

Explains that energy cannot be created or destroyed.

Entropy

Unavailable energy in an ecosystem.

Chemoautotrophs

Organisms that make their own food by using chemical energy.

Metabolism

The chemical changes that take place in a cell or organism.

Catabolic Pathway

Involves the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler ones typically releasing energy in the process.

Anabolic Pathway

The building of larger molecules from smaller molecules usually involving the input of energy.

Photosynthesis

The process by which (mostly) plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make sugar and oxygen.

Cellular Respiration

A chemical process in which oxygen is used to make energy from carbohydrates (sugars).