Energy
the ability to do work
Thermodynamics
study of the flow and transformation of energy in the universe
Metabolism
All of the chemical reactions that occur within an organism
Photosynthesis
the anabolic pathway in which light energy from the sun is converted to chemical energy for use by the cell
Cellular Respiration
catabolic pathway in which organic molecules are broken down to release energy for use by the cell
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
the most important biological molecule that provides chemical energy
Autotrophs
Organism that make their own food, often through the process of photosynthesis.
Heterotrophs
An organism that obtain energy by performing cellular respiration to get energy from organic molecules they consume from the environment.
First Law of Thermodynamics
The law of conservation of energy; energy can be converted from one form to another, but it cannot be created or destroyed.
Second Law of Thermodynamics
energy cannot be converted without the loss of usable energy. "Lost" energy is usually converted to heat (thermal energy).
Adenine
The part of ATP labeled with the number 1.
Ribose
The part of ATP labeled with the number 2.
Phosphate Group (Triphosphase)
The part of ATP labeled with the number 3.