Biological Energy Processes: Exam Prep

This set of flashcards provides definitions and key concepts related to biological energy processes, metabolism, and thermodynamics, which are essential for understanding cellular functions and preparing for the exam.

Energy

The ability to do work or bring about a change.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of motion.

Potential Energy

Stored energy.

Thermodynamics

The branch of physics that deals with the relationships between heat and other forms of energy.

First Law of Thermodynamics

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Energy transformations are not completely efficient; some energy is lost as heat.

Entropy

A measure of disorder or randomness in a system.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions that occur in a cell.

Catabolism

The breakdown of molecules.

Anabolism

The building up of molecules.

Exergonic Reactions

Reactions that release energy.

Endergonic Reactions

Reactions that require an input of energy.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy carrier in cells.

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst to increase the rate of a chemical reaction.

Substrate

A substance on which an enzyme acts.

Cofactor

An inorganic ion that assists an enzyme.

Coenzyme

An organic molecule that assists an enzyme.

Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

Reactions that involve the transfer of electrons between two species.

Photosynthesis

The process by which chloroplasts convert solar energy into chemical energy.

Cellular Respiration

The metabolic process that cells use to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP.

Glycolysis

The metabolic pathway that converts glucose into pyruvate, producing ATP.

Fermentation

Anaerobic metabolic process where energy is derived from glucose without oxygen.

Citric Acid Cycle

A series of enzyme-catalyzed chemical reactions of central importance in all living cells.

Electron Transport Chain

A series of protein complexes that transfer electrons from electron donors to electron acceptors.