Lecture on Energy and Metabolism

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to energy, metabolism, and biochemical processes discussed in the lecture.

Metabolism

The set of biochemical reactions that take place within a cell or organism to maintain life, including the conversion of food to energy.

Catabolism

The metabolic process that breaks down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process.

Anabolism

The metabolic process that builds complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy input.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

The primary energy carrier in cells, it provides energy for many biochemical reactions.

Gibbs Free Energy (G)

A thermodynamic quantity representing the energy needed to produce a chemical reaction at constant temperature and pressure; reactions tend to occur when there is a negative change in Gibbs Free Energy (negative delta G).

Oxidation

A chemical reaction in which a molecule loses electrons, often associated with the release of energy.

Reduction

A chemical reaction in which a molecule gains electrons, often associated with the absorption of energy.

Activation Energy

The minimum energy required to initiate a chemical reaction.

First Law of Thermodynamics

The principle that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

The principle that in a closed system, the total amount of free energy is decreasing, leading to an increase in disorder (entropy).

Activated Carrier Molecules

Small molecules that temporarily store and transfer energy within cellular metabolism, such as ATP, NADH, and FADH2.

Hydrolysis

A chemical reaction in which a molecule reacts with water, resulting in the breakdown of that molecule; commonly used in ATP to produce ADP.

High Energy Electrons

Electrons that carry more energy when transferred between molecules during metabolic reactions.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

Cellular Respiration

The metabolic process by which cells harvest energy from organic molecules, primarily through oxidation.