Lecture 21 Energy Transformation & ATP

These flashcards cover key concepts related to metabolism, energy transformations, and the role of ATP in biochemical reactions.

Metabolism

The sum of all chemical reactions occurring in a biological system at a given time.

Anabolism

Chemical reactions that link less complex molecules to more complex molecules.

Catabolism

Chemical reactions that break more complex molecules into less complex molecules.

Exergonic Reactions

Reactions that release free energy (ΔG < 0).

Endergonic Reactions

Reactions that consume free energy (ΔG > 0).

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, the energy currency of the cell.

Laws of Thermodynamics

1st law: Energy is neither created nor destroyed. 2nd law: Disorder in a system tends to increase.

Gibbs Free Energy Change (ΔG)

ΔG = ΔH - TΔS, where ΔH is the change in enthalpy, T is the temperature, and ΔS is the change in entropy.

Chemical Reaction

A process in which one or more substances (reactants) are converted into one or more different substances (products).

Potential Energy

The energy of state or position, often stored energy like in chemical bonds.

Kinetic Energy

The energy that causes change or work, such as heat causing molecular motion.

Equilibrium Point

The specific point at which the forward and reverse reactions progress at the same rate.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction that involves the breaking down of a compound by adding water.

Chemical Energy

Energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, released during chemical reactions.

Entropy

A measure of disorder or randomness in a system.

Enthalpy

Total energy in a thermodynamic system.