Bioenergetics

Bioenergetics

The study of how energy is transformed and exchanged within living organisms, particularly at the cellular level.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules.

Equation of Photosynthesis

carbon dioxide + water →light→ glucose + oxygen

Photosynthetic Reaction

Photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction in which light transfers energy from the environment to the chloroplasts.

Chemical Symbol of Carbon Dioxide

CO₂

Chemical Symbol of Water

H₂O

Chemical Symbol of Oxygen

O₂

Chemical Symbol of Glucose

C₆H₁₂O₆

Impact of Temperature in the Rate of Photosynthesis

An increase in temperature equates to an increased rate of photosynthesis and excessively high temperature denature enzymes and photosynthetic activity.

Impact of Light Intensity on the Rate of Photosynthesis

Low light intensities limit the rate of photosynthesis while increased light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis until a point where another factor becomes limiting.

Impact of Carbon Dioxide Concentration on the Rate of Photosynthesis

Increased CO₂ concentration in the environment equates to an increased rate of photosynthesis while environments with low CO₂ concentrations limit photosynthesis.

Impact of the Amount of Chlorophyll in the Rate of Photosynthesis

Plants with higher chlorophyll content generally have a greater capacity for photosynthesis as they can capture more light energy.

Oxygen Production

It measures the rate of oxygen production during photosynthesis. 

Uses of Glucose from Photosynthesis

The purpose of glucose includes respiration, storage as starch, production of fats, cellulose, and amino acids for protein synthesis.

Respiration

The metabolic process where cells acquire energy from glucose, occurring aerobically (with oxygen) or anaerobically (without oxygen).

Cellular Respiration

An exothermic reaction which cells acquire energy from glucose.

Aerobic Respiration

The breakdown of glucose into carbon dioxide and water with oxygen, producing a large amount of ATP per glucose molecule.

Equation of Aerobic Respiration

glucose + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water

Anaerobic Respiration

The incomplete breakdown of glucose without oxygen, leading to the production of lactic acid or ethanol and less ATP compared to aerobic respiration.

Equation of Anaerobic Respiration in Muscles

glucose -> lactic acid

Equation of Anaerobic Respiration in Plant and Yeast Cells

glucose ethanol + carbon dioxide

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

The source of energy for use and storage at the cellular level.

Uses of Energy in Organisms

It is to build larger molecule (through chemical reaction), movement, and for keeping warm.

Respiration in Human Exercise

Increases demand for energy, heart rate, breathing rate, and breath volume.

Metabolism

The process of converting food into energy for enzyme-controlled reactions, including the synthesis and breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.

Importance of Sugars

Primary building blocks for carbohydrate synthesis, energy storage molecules, broken down to produce ATP, and converted into precursors for other molecules.

Importance of Amino Acids

Building blocks of protein synthesis, forming polypeptide chains, mobilizing essential amino acids, and serving as precursors for other molecules.

Importance of Fatty Acids and Glycerol

Essential components of lipids, energy storage molecules, insulation, protection for organs, crucial components of cell membranes, and sources of ATP or precursors for lipid synthesis.