Biology Honors Bioenergetics

What is bioenergetics?

A branch of biochemistry that studies the energy requirements and processing by organisms

What is adenosine triphosphate (ATP)?

The only energy source for all cells created during cellular respiration. It stores energy so it is available when needed.

What is ATP made up of?

Ribose sugar, adenine, and 3 phosphates with high energy bonds.

Where is energy stored in ATP?

High energy bonds between the phosphate groups.

How is energy released from ATP?

A phosphate breaks off, releasing energy that can last a few seconds.

What is adenosine diphosphate?

What is left when ATP releases its energy (same structure as ATP, but with 2 phosphates instead of 3).

What is photosynthesis?

The process of converting light energy into chemical energy

What is the equation for photosynthesis?

6CO2 + 6H2O + light → C6H12O6 + 6O2

Describe the process of photosynthesis

Sunlight is collected by chlorophyll in chloroplasts. Carbon dioxide enters the leaf through the stomata and the roots. Water enters the plant through the roots. Glucose and oxygen are created. Glucose is created and used for cellular respiration and stored for later use. Oxygen exits the leaf through the stomata.

What light wavelengths have the most energy? The least?

Short wavelengths have the most energy, while long wavelengths have the least.

What color of light has the most energy? The least?

Violet has the most energy, while red has the least energy

What color do plants reflect?

Green

What two phases does photosynthesis occur in?

Light dependent and light independent

Describe light dependent reaction

Happens in the thylakoids. Light is captured and water is split. This produces ATP and NADPH.

Describe light independent reaction

Happens in stroma (fluid outside thylakoid). Carbon dioxide enters, which is fixed alongside ATP and NADPH into glucose.

What is glucose? What is its chemical formula?

A simple sugar that is the primary energy source of organisms. Its chemical formula is C6H12O6.

What is chemical bond energy?

The amount of energy required to break the bond in a molecule

What is respiration?

A process involving the production of energy (ATP) in organisms

What is aerobic respiration?

Respiration requiring oxygen

What is anaerobic respiration?

Respiration not requiring oxygen

When does cellular respiration occur?

In all cells at all times

What is cellular respiration?

How all cells obtain energy (ATP)

What is the equation of cellular respiration?

C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H20 + 36 ATP

What is the equation for alcoholic fermentation?

C6H12O6 → Ethyl Alcohol + 2 ATP

What is the equation for lactic acid fermentation?

C6H12O6 → CO2 + Lactic Acid + 2 ATP

Describe glycolysis

This happens in all cells and is how organisms without mitochondria produce ATP. This takes place in the cytoplasm, doesn’t require oxygen, and glucose is split in half. 2 ATP are created and used.

Describe aerobic respiration

Happens after glycolysis. The Krebs Cycle gives off CO2, and Electron Transport Chain takes in O2 and gives off H2O, producing 34 ATP.

Describe lactic acid fermentation.

Occurs in animals and bacteria and produces 2 ATP. In bacteria, the acids are used in food production (yogurt, kimchee). In animals, it results in muscle fatigue, cramps, and soreness.

Describe alcoholic fermentation

Occurs in yeast and produces 2 ATP. It produces ethanol and carbon dioxide as waste.

Why are photosynthesis and cellular respiration complementary processes?

The outputs of one are the inputs of the other, forming a continuous cycle.

Could plants survive if they were the only organisms on Earth?

Yes, because they produce the inputs that they need to use.

What elements are continually cycled through photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

Carbon, Oxygen, and Hydrogen.