Matter, Energy and Life

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on matter, energy, and life, focusing on definitions of important terms related to ecology, chemistry, and biological systems.

The scientific study of relationships between organisms and their environment.

Ecology

The principle stating that matter is neither created nor destroyed, but recycled.

Conservation of Matter

A substance that cannot be broken down into simpler forms by ordinary chemical reactions.

Element

The smallest particle that exhibits the characteristics of an element.

Atom

Forms of an element that differ in atomic mass due to different numbers of neutrons.

Isotope

A charged atom that has gained or lost electrons.

Ion

A positively charged ion.

Cation

A negatively charged ion.

Anion

A measure that describes the strength of an acid or base.

pH

Compounds containing carbon chains and rings that form the basis of living organisms.

Organic Compounds

The building blocks of nucleic acids that carry information within cells.

Nucleotides

Special class of proteins that catalyze chemical reactions in living organisms.

Enzymes

Energy contained in moving objects.

Kinetic Energy

Stored energy that is available for use.

Potential Energy

The study of the transfer and transformation of energy in natural processes.

Thermodynamics

The synthesis of organic compounds from carbon dioxide in photosynthesis.

Primary Productivity

A linked series of feeding relationships in an ecosystem.

Food Chain

An organism’s feeding status in an ecosystem.

Trophic Level

The process by which plants use sunlight to create energy-rich organic molecules.

Photosynthesis

The movement of elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus through biological, atmospheric, and earth systems.

Biogeochemical Cycles

The continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere.

Hydrologic Cycle

The process by which nitrogen gas is converted into forms usable by living organisms.

Nitrogen Fixation

The movement of phosphorus through the ecosystem, essential for plant growth.

Phosphorus Cycle