Metabolism and Energy Conversion
Metabolism
Total sum of chemical processes in living organisms to maintain life.
Cellular Respiration
Set of metabolic reactions converting food molecules into energy and waste products.
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)
Compound of adenosine and three phosphate groups. Releases energy when bonds are broken.
Mitochondria
Organelle responsible for converting food energy into ATP via cellular respiration.
Key Metabolic Compounds
Glucose: Important energy source; simple sugar and carbohydrate component.
Pyruvate: Three carbon chain from glucose breakdown during glycolysis.
Glycolysis
Breakdown of glucose in cytoplasm, yielding pyruvate and energy.
Krebs Cycle
Reactions generating energy in mitochondrial matrix; consumes pyruvate and produces CO₂ as waste.
Electron Transport Chain
Uses oxygen in inner mitochondrial membrane to create ATP, producing water as waste.
Photosynthesis
Process in plants that converts light energy into chemical energy (glucose) in chloroplasts.
Photosynthesis Stages
Light-Dependent Reactions: Require light, produce oxygen, occur in thylakoids.
Light-Independent Reactions: Use CO₂, occur in stroma, produce glucose.
Chloroplasts
Organelles converting light energy into chemical energy (photosynthesis).
Energy Types
Light Energy: Visible energy from the sun, utilized in photosynthesis.
Chemical Energy: Stored in matter; in respiration and photosynthesis, stored in glucose.
Respiration Types
Anaerobic Respiration: Inefficient ATP synthesis in the absence of oxygen.
Aerobic Respiration: Efficient ATP synthesis in the presence of oxygen.
Organism Types
Heterotrophs: Obtain chemical energy by consuming other organisms.
Autotrophs: Create their own chemical energy using sunlight.
Fermentation
Anaerobic process allowing glycolysis to continue ATP production without oxygen.
Types: Lactic Acid, Alcoholic.
Chemosynthesis
Process for creating chemical energy without light; similar to photosynthesis.