Energy and Enzymes Chapter 4 Biology exam 3 🧪

What is energy?

  • the capacity to do work

Two states of energy

  • kinetic energy- energy of motion or energy that is presenting during work

ex: an arrow shot from a bow

  • potential energy- stored energy that has the potential to do work but its not in active use

How is energy stored biologically?

IN FOOD

  • energy stored in a chemical bond

    chemical bonds require energy to make a bond therefore there is energy in that bond

  • Breaking a bond releases energy; forming a bond requires energy (e.g., condensation).

  • Food is the source of energy driving endodontic reactions.

  • calories- unit of measurement

free energy- useable energy that can do work

the energy that a cell requires for immediate use is stored in ATP (adenosine triphosphate)

why do u have to have ATP?

  • because when if you dont trap energy in something you can save (ATP) you will lose it

FOOD must be converted food → ATP- transfers energy from food to cells

what kind of molecule is this?

  • the cells energy currency

  • free energy is released when 1 of the P bonds are broken

There are 2 basic types of reactions

  1. exergonic- reactions that release energy (reactants possess more energy than products)

ex: ATP → H2O → ADP + P + free energy

  1. endergonic- reactions that require the input of energy (the reactants posses less energy than products)

EX: ADP + P + free energy → ATP + H2O

  • we have to eat food to make ATP a plant has photosynthesis to make ATP

Where does this free energy come from??

FOOD

the type of food influences what kind of ATP you make

simple

carbs- 4 cal/g

proteins- 4 cal/g

fat- 9 cal/g

  • metabolism- the sum of all chemical reactions within a cell (within YOU)

anabolism- small molecules bond to form a larger molecules

  • take a bunch of anabolic you make a protein

  • Building up molecules: forming muscle, protein, and storing carbohydrates.

  • Requires energy input (endoergonic).

    catabolism- larger molecules are broken down into smaller molecules

  • Breaking down molecules: tearing things apart, like a cat.

  • Releases energy (exergonic).

protein + H2O= aa+aa+aa+aa+etc..)

  • break apart bonds and releasing energy

  • exergonic?

chemical reactions are regulated by enzymes

  • Chemical reactions are necessary to obtain and conserve energy.

  • Enzymes are vital for the acceleration of chemical reactions.

    • Without enzymes, reactions occur too slowly to sustain life.

  • Enzymes lower the activation energy needed for reactions, allowing them to occur more rapidly.

  • without enzymes most biochemical reactions would not take place fast enough to sustain life

most chemical reactions require input energy to get started

chemical reactions happen naturally but enzymes speed up chemical reactions

  • activation energy- the amount of input energy required to start a reaction

  • Analogous to the cost of items on sale: lower activation energy means faster reactions.

  • Enzymes reduce the cost of catalyzing reactions, possibly using the analogy of a coupon that can be reused.

  • Enzymes can work thousands of times per second.

  • energy impacts speed of Rxn

What is an enzyme?

a biological catalyst that accelerates a chemical reaction without being used up in the reaction

  • Enzymes are proteins produced primarily in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by bound ribosomes.

  • The shape of a protein determines its function, as the enzyme's active site must match the substrate precisely.

  • Specificity in enzymes: only certain substrates will fit.

  • most enzymes are proteins

  • enzymes can be reused

enzyme CHARACTERISTICS:

  • Catalysts (enzymes) speed up reactions without being consumed.

Example of enzymes aiding in dehydration synthesis to bond two molecules together.

  • Energy must be supplied to form bonds, making the process endergonic (requires energy).

  • specific shape- shape of a protein dictates its function

  • specific to what “fits” to catalyze (speed up) a reaction

  • do not cause reactions

  • Rxn in both directions

enzymes speed up chemical reactions by lowering the reactions activation energy

substrate(reactant)+enzyme→complex→products + enzymes

cracker + amylase ————-simple carbs + amylase

FACTORS that affect enzymes activity

  • enzymes feed off reactions

if you take enzyme out- reactions are slower

  1. temperature

  • as temperature increases rate of a reaction increases

  • Increased temperature increases reaction rates but can denature proteins if too high, losing their functional shape.

  • Optimal enzyme activity occurs at specific temperature ranges.temp increases molecules move faster = faster rxns

extreme temp can denature enzymes= decrease speed rxns

enzymes are specific for shape and temperature

  • shape dictates its function

  • For instance, specific enzymes hydrolyze carbohydrates into simple sugars, enhancing digestion (e.g., crackers dissolving in the mouth).

  • The analogy of having multiple USB cords shows that enzymes are tailored for specific reactions just like varying cables fit different devices.enzymes can only work within a certain temperature range

  • can only work within a certain PH range

  1. pH

    • Enzymes function best in an environment suited to their structure. For instance, enzymes in the stomach require an acidic environment to work effectively.

      If too acidic or basic, enzymes may become denatured and lose activity.enzymes are specific to pH

pH outside range: enzymes could be denatured (lose its normal shape and function)

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy (sugar) through two main stages: Light-dependent reactions and Light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle).

where does photosynthesis take place?

  • anything with chlorophyl or chloroplast

chlorophyll is the main pigment!

water out in order to get CO2 in

photo 1 sythnesis 2

  1. light dependent reactions- photo (light)

    light energy causes electrons to flow

    • ADP + P = ATP

    • photolysis occurs

      a. light energy splits water

      b. oxygen is given off from H2O

      ATP AND NADPH are needed in the next stage of PS

    • H is from water

    plants take sunlight and convert it into ATP

    photolysis occurs

  2. light independent reactions

    “synthesis”

    • to make/combine

    carbon fixation occurs : rubisco enzyme binds CO2 (most abundant enzyme on planet!)

    food cycler with C3 cycle

    • ATP and NADPH (H2O) from 1st stage POWERS 2nd stage

    • six CO2 enters C3 cycle one 6C glucose or fructose is produced

    • glucose and fructose can combine to form sucrose

Location: Thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.

Key Reactants: Light energy, water (H₂O).

Key Products: ATP, NADPH, and oxygen (O₂).

Sunlight excites electrons in chlorophyll, creating ATP and NADPH while splitting water and releasing oxygen.

a. light energy splits water

  • water supplies the electrons

b. oxygen is given off them H2O

you need water for a plant for electron source

Calvin Benson cycle (C3 Cycle)

what kind of plants use the C3 cycle for their food cycle?

C3 plants: most trees, beans, rice, wheat and potatoes

Function 2nd stage PS: produce sugar by- carbon fixation which the conversion of CO2 into organic compounds

  • ex: Glucose

problem for C3 plants

rubisco is NOT specific “unfaithful”

  • O2 can bind to rubisco and block CO2

OXYGEN ruins the “sweet” relationship of rubisco and CO2

cause: hot/dry conditions

C4 plants are different

  • use C4 cycle+ C3 cycle

more specific enzyme pep carboxylase (PEPCO) ONLY binds C02 not O2

  • pep co is only found in C4 plants like grasses

  • C4 cycle is on top of C3 cycle

  • C4 cycle “feeds” CO2 to rubisco enzyme → glucose is produced

  • C4 plants can grow in hotter/drier conditions than C3

  • BUT C4 plants use MORE energy

C4 plants: Most grasses such as corn sugarcane and crabgrass

plant use sugar for energy too!

6CO2 + 6H2O + light(NADPH)—> C6H12O6 +6O2 (photosynthesis)

glucose catabolism (cell respiration) ← aerobic

  • plants make their own food by photosynthesis but then have to eat it

C6H1206 + 6O2 —> 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP

Do plants use photosynthesis and cell respiration?

  • YES

  • all living things need respiration

  • organism need food to provide free energy to make ATP

Cells require ATP for life to work

FO/ (break bonds) OD (glucose)

CO2←O2 free energy → ATP

ADP + P + free energy → ATP

endergonic RXN anabolic

glucose catabolism

  1. glycolysis- occurs cytosol of cell

  • splits 6C glucose (2) 3C pyruvate (1/2 sugar)

  • does not use oxygen

glycolysis is an anaerobic process

  • metabolic pathway- a series of chemical rxns where the products of a previous rxn is used as the reactants of the next rxn

(P) from food + ADP = ATP

  • subtracted- level phosphorylation

what are the main products of Glycolysis?

hint: glucose was split in 2

  1. two 3C pyruvate NO carbon lost

  2. coenzymes save (H) from food as NADH “save pennies”

  3. 2ATP (net gain)

next step is what usually happens as long as oxygen is readily available..

coenzymes- aide chemical rxns and more

  • there are derived from B vitamins

  • and are electron carriers —> carry to mitochondria

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) made from

  • vitamins B3 (niacin)

  • NAD+ H (from food) —> NADH (carries it to mitocondria)

FAD+ (flavin adenine dinucleotide) made from

  • vitamin B (riboflavin)

    FAD + 2H → FADH2

overview of photosynthesis

  • Photosynthesis Definition: Process used by plants to convert light energy into chemical energy (sugar).

  • Stages of Photosynthesis: Two main stages - Light-dependent reactions and Light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle).

light dependent reactions

  • Location: Occurs in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.

Key Reactants: Light energy, water (H₂O).

Key Products: ATP, NADPH, and oxygen (O₂).

  • Sunlight excites electrons in chlorophyll, which are then transferred through an electron transport chain, producing ATP and NADPH.

Water molecules are split to replace lost electrons, releasing oxygen as a by-product.

detailed process: Photo: Stands for light - Light is essential for this stage.

  • Synthesis: Refers to making or combining substances.

  • Electrons, upon sunlight exposure, gain energy and move through the electron transport system.

The energy loss as electrons flow down the chain is used to convert ADP into ATP.

  • Oxygen Production: Oxygen produced is derived from the splitting of water molecules.

light INDEPENDENT reactions (calvin cycle)

Location: Occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts.

Main Inputs: ATP, NADPH from the light-dependent reactions, and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Outputs: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and other organic substances.

carbon fixation process

  • Carbon Dioxide Capture: CO₂ is captured and fixed into a stable form using the enzyme Rubisco.

Hydrogen Input: Hydrogen ions from water, carried by NADPH, are combined with carbon dioxide.

  • Energy Source: ATP provides the energy necessary for the process.

Glucose Formation: Resulting products are processed into glucose and other compounds like fructose, proteins, and fats.

the importance of water in CO2

Water (H₂O): Critical for electron supply and maintaining plant hydration, enabling the process of photosynthesis.

Role of CO₂: Acts as a building block for sugar formation. Growth and health of plants depend on CO₂ availability.

challenges faced by plants

Water Limitation: In hot and dry conditions, plants may close their stomata (openings on leaves) to conserve water, which leads to reduced CO₂ intake and can negatively affect photosynthesis.

Oxygen Inhibition: In conditions where oxygen builds up (like hot and dry environments), it can interfere with carbon fixation, causing plants to waste resources.

What kind of plants are in photosynthesis

C3: Examples: Soybeans, potatoes, rice.

Mechanism: Standard Calvin Cycle; susceptible to oxygen interference during hot, dry conditions.

Limitations: Reduced efficiency under stress, leading to potential lower food production.

C4: Examples: Sugarcane, corn.

Mechanism: Incorporate an additional step to handle CO₂ more efficiently even under stress conditions.

Uses a different enzyme (PEP carboxylase) which has a higher affinity for CO₂ than Rubisco, helping reduce oxygen competition.

Survival Mechanism: Adapted to thrive in hot, dry environments where typical photosynthesis may fail.

metabolic pathways

Glycolysis: Conversion of glucose (sugar) to pyruvate, yielding a small amount of ATP.

Importance of Enzymes: Enzymes dictate metabolic processes; each has a specific shape that optimizes its function for catalyzing reactions.

preview of aerobic cell respiration

6C glucose enters glycolysis (cytosol O2 not used)

3C pyruvate produced O2 available

aerobic

transition reaction (mitochondria)

krebs cycle

electron transport

  • mitochondria is the only place that you use to breathe

three stages of aerobic respiration

A. transition reaction

  • occurs in the mitochondria

    1. 3C pyruvate converted to 2CAcetyle (acetic acid)

  • C02 released

  1. 2C acetyl is lazy

  • could build fat

  • coenzyme A carries it to kreb cycle

B. krebs cycle

  • occurs in mitochondria

ALL IN THE MITOCHONDRIA BECAUSE AEROBIC

  1. both 2C acetyl enter

    • CoA is recyled

      all carbon bonds now broken (e-) H released

      1. coenzymes NAD+ & FAD+ bind (H) “saves pennies”

NADH and FADH2 are produced

  • any food used for energy that break down for energy get reused in the air

  1. 4 CO2 released due to catabolism of two 2C acetyl

  2. 2 ATP produced

whats left of glucose now?

  • NADH and FADH2

c. electron transport chain and chemiosmosis

  • ETC in inner membrane of mitochondria

  1. NADH & FADH2 release H to the ETC

  2. only electrons (e-) enter the ETC

  • (e-) are passed down ETC like batons in a relay race

  • free energy is released in steps by redox rxns

  1. this energy helps build H+ concentration energy

  2. flow of H+ through ATP synthase enzyme provides energy to couple ADP + P to produce 32 ATP

  3. Chemiosmosis includes redox rxn of the ETC and H+ gradient to provide free energy to produce ATP

  4. O2 we breathe removes hydrogen (e-) from ETC to form H2O O2 is our final e- acceptor

review of glucose catabolism

6C glucose

glycolysis (NADH + 2 ATP) aneroobic

(2) 3C pyruvate

transition reaction (NADH + 2CO2)

(2) 2C acetyl COA

krebs cycle (4CO2 + NADH, FADH2 + 2ATP)

36 ATP made from catabolism of 1 glucose

is glucose the only molecule organism obtain energy from?

  1. fat- approx. 400 ATP could be made

“aerobics” (cardio) burns fat first

  • short sprints, power lifting mostly burn glucose

  • cells primary use fat as energy source when sustaining activity

if food intake exceeds energy needs then sugar may be partially catabolized and stores as fat

  1. proteins- last resort

fat enters and burns aerboic respiration starting transion reaction

  • aerboic respiration burns fat

what are some examples of how we use this energy?

work (growth, maintenance and reproduction_

  • thinking!

  • building molecules (endergonic rxns)

    (ex: polysaccharides, proteins, etc)

  • muscle cell contraction

  • active transport

fermentation (anerboic)

  • occurs in the cytosol of cells after gylocolysis when oxygen is not readily avaliable

two types of fermentation

  • lactic acid fermentation

    • pyruvate converted into lactic acid

    • lactic acid may accumulate in muscles while working

    • ex: sprinting

    • powerligts

    • occurs in animals and some bacteria

      the only convert food into ATP when no oxygen = glycolysis

  • alcoholic fermentation

occurs in plants, fungi (yeast) and bacteria

  • pyruvate is converted to ethanol and CO2

  • yeast are used to produce beer, wine and bread

fermentation does not produce ATP

  • it keeps glycolysis going which provides ATP when O2 is not available by recycling NAD+

Importance of Fermentation

  • Fermentation is essential in processes such as producing bread, wine, and cheese.

  • The focus of the current discussion is on how fermentation affects sales, particularly in relation to explosive activities.

Explosive Activities vs. Aerobic Exercise

Example of explosive activities:

  • Sprinting

  • Power lifting

These activities involve quick bursts of energy and are not sustained efforts, differing from cardio or aerobic exercises.

Role of Glycolysis

Glycolysis is the process that splits glucose (sugar) into two molecules of three-carbon compounds.

  • The process is critical for energy production, particularly during activities requiring rapid energy bursts.

Key point: No carbon is lost in the process of glycolysis while splitting sugar.

Coenzymes in Glycolysis

A critical coenzyme in glycolysis is derived from Vitamin B, which plays a key role in transporting electrons, protons, and hydrogens.

  • This coenzyme enables the glycolysis reaction by picking up hydrogens during the process, forming NADH.

Electron Transport and Fermentation

During glycolysis, if oxygen is present as the final electron acceptor, the electron transport chain can function effectively.

  • If there's no oxygen:

Electrons back up, causing a bottleneck in energy production.

  • The body must revert the electrons back to the original compounds, leading to the formation of lactic acid, especially noted in anaerobic respiration (absence of oxygen).

Importance of Oxygen in Energy Production

  • Oxygen is essential for moving to the mitochondria for the complete breakdown of glucose.

  • Activities demanding rapid energy often burn oxygen quickly before it can be replenished, resulting in increased lactic acid production.

Example: During fast typing or sprinting, muscles may feel fatigued from lactic acid accumulation due to insufficient oxygen supply.