Chapter 4: Cellular Respiration Flashcards
First Law of Thermodynamics
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can be converted from one form to another
Kinetic energy
Energy of motion
Potential Energy
Stored energy, such as energy in chemical bonds.
Second Law of Thermodynamics
When energy is converted from one form to another, some energy is “lost”.
Entropy
The state of disorganization/randomness
Closed System
Where only energy transfers among specific items are considered.
Open System
There are exchanges of energy with the surroundings.
Gibbs Free Energy
The energy in a system that is available for conversions.
Exergonic
Energy exits the reaction (-686 kcal/mol)
Endergonic
Energy goes into the reaction (+686 kcal/mol)
Activation Energy
The energy required for a reaction to occur.
Photosynthesis
The process of incorporating energy from sunlight into carbohydrates.
Respiration
The process of extracting energy from those carbohydrates, provide the free energy that allows cells to maintain order, minimize entropy, and remain alive.
