[03] Principles of Bioenergetics Flashcards
What does ‘Bioenergetics’ mean?
The study of energy flow through living systems.
What is the key concept in Bioenergetics?
Energy transformation in biological systems.
Which law of thermodynamics is central to bioenergetics?
The First Law of Thermodynamics.
What is the First Law of Thermodynamics?
Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed.
Which principle explains how organisms obtain energy?
The principle of energy conservation.
How does energy flow in a biological system?
From higher energy levels to lower energy levels.
What is the ultimate source of energy for most living organisms?
The Sun.
What is the basic energy currency in a biological system?
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).
What is ATP?
A molecule used by cells to store and transfer energy.
Why is ATP important in bioenergetics?
It powers cellular processes that require energy.
What does the term ‘metabolism’ mean in bioenergetics?
The total of all the chemical reactions in a biological system.
What are the two main types of metabolism?
- Anabolism (constructive metabolism)
- Catabolism (destructive metabolism)
How does Anabolism relate to Bioenergetics?
It refers to the building processes that require energy.
How does Catabolism relate to Bioenergetics?
It refers to the breaking down processes that release energy.
What does ‘energy coupling’ mean in Bioenergetics?
The use of energy released from an exergonic process to drive an endergonic process.
What is an ‘exergonic process’?
A process that releases energy.
What is an ‘endergonic process’?
A process that requires energy.
What role does ATP play in energy coupling?
It is often used to drive endergonic processes by hydrolysis.
What is ‘hydrolysis’?
The chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water.
What are ‘redox reactions’?
Chemical reactions involving oxidation and reduction.
What is a ‘Redox Reaction’?
A type of chemical reaction that involves a transfer of electrons between two species.
What is ‘Oxidation’?
A process in which a substance loses electrons.
What is ‘Reduction’?
A process in which a substance gains electrons.
Can oxidation occur without reduction in a redox reaction?
No, in a redox reaction, one species must be oxidized while the other is reduced.
What is the species that is oxidized known as?
The reducing agent or reductant.
Why is the species that is oxidized called the reducing agent?
Because it reduces the other species by donating electrons.
What is the species that is reduced known as?
The oxidizing agent or oxidant.
Why is the species that is reduced called the oxidizing agent?
Because it oxidizes the other species by accepting electrons.
What role do redox reactions play in bioenergetics?
They are involved in many biological processes, including cellular respiration, where energy is produced.
What’s an example of a biological redox reaction?
The conversion of glucose into carbon dioxide and water in cells, which involves the transfer of electrons.
What is ‘OIL RIG’ in relation to redox reactions?
A mnemonic to remember the concept: Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).
