Ch6

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to energy, thermodynamics, and enzyme function, aiding in exam preparation.

Kinetic Energy

The energy of motion; the energy associated with the movement of particles in a substance.

Potential Energy

Stored energy; the energy held in the bonds of molecules that can be released during chemical reactions.

Entropy

A measure of disorder in a system; as entropy increases, systems become less organized.

First Law of Thermodynamics

The principle of conservation of energy, stating that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

States that energy conversions are inefficient and increase the entropy of the universe.

Calorie

The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1°C; a Food Calorie (kilocalorie) is equal to 1000 calories.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The energy currency of the cell; it stores and transfers energy for cellular processes.

Metabolism

The total of all chemical reactions within an organism, consisting of catabolic and anabolic reactions.

Catabolic Reactions

Energy-releasing reactions that involve the breakdown of biomolecules.

Anabolic Reactions

Energy-consuming reactions that build biomolecules such as polymers.

Enzymes

Proteins that catalyze chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy needed.

Activation Energy

The energy required to start a chemical reaction.

Substrate

The molecule that an enzyme acts on during a chemical reaction.

Enzyme Inhibitors

Molecules that reduce an enzyme's activity; examples include disulfiram and cyanide.

Oxidation

The loss of electrons during a chemical reaction.

Reduction

The gain of electrons during a chemical reaction.

OIL RIG

A mnemonic for Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain.

Cofactors

Specific ions or molecules that assist enzymes in their catalytic activity.