Energy unit 2 bio

Bioluminescence

A chemical reaction that converts chemical energy into light energy, seen in organisms like fireflies.

Energy transformation

The consumption and release of energy that occurs continuously throughout an organism's life.

Metabolism

All chemical reactions in living organisms that manage the cell’s material and energy resources.

Catabolic reactions

Energy-producing reactions that break down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.

Anabolic reactions

Energy-consuming reactions that build complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy.

Exergonic reactions

Reactions that release free energy and occur spontaneously, with a negative ΔG.

Endergonic reactions

Reactions that absorb free energy from surroundings and require energy input, with a positive ΔG.

Gibbs free energy (ΔG)

Measure of the energy available in a system to do work, indicating spontaneity of reactions.

Activation energy (Eₐct)

The minimum energy required to start a reaction, necessary for some exergonic reactions.

Energy coupling

The transfer of energy from an exergonic reaction to drive an endergonic reaction.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The universal energy molecule in living organisms, serving as the main energy currency of the cell.

ATP hydrolysis

The process of breaking the bond between phosphates in ATP, releasing energy of about 7.3 kcal/mol.

Phosphorylation

The process of adding a phosphate group to ADP to regenerate ATP, which requires energy.

Metabolic pathways

Ordered sequences of chemical reactions that occur during metabolism, involving catabolic and anabolic pathways.

Catabolic pathways

Metabolic pathways that break down molecules and release energy.

Anabolic pathways

Metabolic pathways that build complex molecules and require energy.

Free energy diagram

A visual representation of energy changes in a reaction, showing free energy of reactants and products.

Metabolic rate

The speed at which metabolism occurs in an organism, typically higher in children than in adults.

Chemical equation for cellular respiration

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O, representing glucose breakdown and energy release.

Role of enzymes

Enzymes act as catalysts in living organisms, speeding up chemical reactions without being consumed.

Spontaneous reactions

Reactions that occur without the need for additional energy input.

Complex molecules

Substances formed by joining simpler molecules together, often seen in anabolic reactions.

Simpler molecules

The products of catabolic reactions resulting from the breakdown of complex molecules.

Chemical energy

Energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, used in biochemical reactions.

Light energy

Energy that is visible as light, produced through bioluminescence in some organisms.

Energy-intensive

Describes the high energy demands of living organisms as they transform energy continuously.

Chemical reactions

Processes in which substances (reactants) are transformed into different substances (products).

Living organisms

Entities that carry out metabolic processes necessary for life, including energy transformations.

Resource management

The way cells manage their material and energy resources to function and grow.

Burden of metabolism

The constant process that begins at conception and ends only when an organism dies.

Example of digestion

A catabolic process where food is broken down into simpler compounds, releasing stored energy.

Main function of ATP

To provide energy for various cellular processes, including movement and chemical reactions.

Role of metabolic pathways

To systematically convert reactants into products through a series of chemical reactions.

Energy capture

The process in which energy released from catabolic reactions is stored and used in anabolic reactions.

Free energy increase

In endergonic reactions, free energy increases as energy is absorbed.

Cellular work

The various tasks that cells perform, which require energy, often derived from ATP.

Energy source for endergonic reactions

These reactions require an outside energy source to begin.

Hydrolysis of ATP

The reaction that releases energy from ATP when a phosphate group is removed.

Catabolic process of cellular respiration

The metabolic process that breaks down glucose and releases energy.

Chemical reaction example of methane oxidation

The reaction that transforms methane into carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy.

Energy in cell metabolism

Energy is continuously transformed and managed to support life processes.

Relationship between catabolic and anabolic pathways

Catabolic pathways release energy that is used to drive anabolic pathways, maintaining cellular functions.

Bioluminescence in fireflies

A process in which fireflies convert ATP energy to produce light.

Importance of ATP in metabolism

ATP acts as a central recipient and provider of energy in metabolic reactions.

Kidney functioning

Requires a continuous supply of energy to maintain filtration and wast removal.

Impact of larger organisms

Generally, larger organisms tend to have slower metabolic rates compared to smaller ones.

Structure of ATP

Composed of a sugar (ribose), nitrogenous base (adenine), and three phosphate groups.

Energy released from ATP

Primarily powers cellular processes involving metabolism, movement, and growth.

Function of ribose in ATP

A five-carbon sugar component that forms part of the ATP structure.

Functions of phosphate groups in ATP

They store potential energy within high-energy bonds which release energy when broken.

Examples of endergonic reactions

Synthesis of proteins and glycogen, which require energy for bond formation.

Metabolic management

The way cells balance energy production and consumption through metabolic pathways.

Children's metabolic needs

Children require more energy relative to their body size due to rapid growth.

Energy transformation variety

Includes transitions between chemical, mechanical, thermal, and light energy forms.

Spontaneity and ΔG

The spontaneity of a reaction can be predicted by its change in free energy (ΔG).