Unit 3

What is metabolism?

the totality of an organism’s chemical reactions

What are metabolic pathways?

a series of reactions catalyzed by specific enzymes resulting in an end product

What is biosynthesis?

the body’s ability to make things

What is the difference between catabolic and anabolic pathways?

catabolic pathways help break down molecules for energy (ex. Cellular respiration), and anabolic pathways build up molecules, which requires energy (ex. Protein synthesis)

What is kinetic energy?

energy of movement

What is potential energy?

stored energy

What is thermodynamics?

the study of energy transformations

What is the first law of thermodynamics?

energy is transferred/transformed, but cannot be created nor destroyed

What is the second law of thermodynamics?

the transfer of energy is not fully efficient (since some is lost in heat energy), so it increases entropy in the universe

What does Free energy (G) measure?

measures a portion of a system’s energy that can perform work