Metabolism and Energy Dynamics

Bioenergetics

Study of energy flow in living systems.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions in a cell or organism.

Metabolic Pathways

Reactions required for cell energy balance.

Anabolic Pathway

Builds larger molecules, requires energy input.

Catabolic Pathway

Breaks down molecules, releases energy.

Photosynthesis

Process converting sunlight into chemical energy.

Cellular Respiration

Process converting glucose into ATP.

Kinetic Energy

Energy of objects in motion.

Potential Energy

Stored energy, can be converted to kinetic.

Chemical Energy

Energy stored in chemical bonds.

Gibb's Free Energy (G)

Usable energy available to do work.

Exergonic Reaction

Releases energy, spontaneous, ΔG<0.

Endergonic Reaction

Requires energy input, non-spontaneous, ΔG>0.

Activation Energy

Energy needed for a reaction to proceed.

Thermodynamics

Study of energy and energy transfer.

First Law of Thermodynamics

Energy cannot be created or destroyed.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

Energy transfer is inefficient, increases entropy.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

Energy currency of the cell.

ATP Hydrolysis

Breakdown of ATP to release energy.

Energy Coupling

Using exergonic reactions to drive endergonic reactions.

Sodium-Potassium Pump

Uses ATP to transport ions across membranes.

Enzymes

Protein catalysts that speed up reactions.

Active Site

Region where substrates bind on an enzyme.

Induced Fit

Enzyme shape change optimizing substrate interaction.

Enzyme Regulation

Control of enzyme activity based on conditions.

Competitive Inhibitors

Compete with substrate for active site.

Noncompetitive Inhibitors

Bind elsewhere, reducing reaction rate.

Allosteric Inhibitors

Change enzyme shape, reducing substrate binding.

Cofactors

Inorganic ions needed for enzyme function.

Coenzymes

Organic molecules aiding enzyme activity.

Feedback Inhibition

End product inhibits upstream enzyme activity.