UNIT THREE COMPREHENSIVE

Catabolic Process

A metabolic pathway that breaks down molecules into smaller units, releasing energy.

Anabolic Process

A metabolic pathway that builds larger molecules from smaller units, consuming energy.

Kinetic Energy

Energy of motion.

Potential Energy

Stored energy.

Chemical Energy

Energy stored in chemical bonds.

Gibbs Free Energy

A thermodynamic potential that measures the maximum reversible work that can be performed by a system at constant temperature and pressure.

Exergonic Process

A spontaneous process that releases energy, characterized by a negative change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG < 0).

Endergonic Process

A non-spontaneous process that requires energy to proceed, characterized by a positive change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG > 0).

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

The primary energy carrier in cells.

ATP Cycle

The process of ATP formation and breakdown for energy utilization.

Activation Energy (EA)

The energy required to initiate a chemical reaction.

Enzyme

A protein that acts as a catalyst to speed up chemical reactions.

Substrate

The reactant that an enzyme acts on.

Products

The substances formed as a result of a chemical reaction.

Reaction Rate

The speed at which reactants are converted into products.

Transition State

A high-energy state during the conversion of reactants to products.

Active Site

The region of the enzyme where substrate binding occurs.

Catalysis

The process of increasing the rate of a chemical reaction through the use of a catalyst.

Glycolysis

The first step of cellular respiration that occurs in the cytoplasm, breaking down glucose into pyruvate.

Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle)

Occurs in the mitochondrial matrix and completes the breakdown of glucose derivatives, releasing electron carriers.

Oxidative Phosphorylation

Occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane and generates ATP via electron transport and chemiosmosis.

Substrate-Level Phosphorylation

Direct transfer of a phosphate group to ADP to form ATP; occurs in glycolysis and the citric acid cycle.

Essential Nutrients

Essential minerals, vitamins, and amino acids which are necessary for survival.

Intracellular Digestion

Digestion that occurs within cells, used by single-celled organisms.

Extracellular Digestion

Digestion that occurs in a digestive cavity, utilized by multicellular animals.

Alimentary Canal

A 'tube within a tube' structure aiding in digestion and absorption.

Salivary Glands

Produce saliva aiding in digestion; connect to the oral cavity.

Double Circulation Advantage

In mammals, it maintains efficient oxygenation of blood by separating pulmonary and systemic circuits.

Systole

Contraction phase of the heart.

Diastole

Relaxation phase of the heart.

Capillary Beds

Allow for nutrient and gas exchange; controlled by precapillary sphincters.