Chapter 8: An Introduction to Metabolism Flashcards
Part 1
What is metabolism?
The totality of an organism’s chemical reactions, consisting of catabolic and anabolic pathways, which manage the material and energy resources of the organism.
What is a metabolic pathway?
A series of chemical reactions that either builds a complex molecule (anabolic pathway) or breaks down a complex molecule to a simpler molecule (catabolic)
What is a catabolic pathway?
A metabolic pathway that releases energy by breaking down complex molecules to simpler molecules
What is an anabolic pathway?
A metabolic pathway that consumes energy to synthesize a complex molecule from simpler molecules
The study of how energy flows through living organisms is ___________________?
bioenergetics
What is energy?
the capacity to cause change
Kinetic energy
motion of objects
Thermal energy
kinetic energy associated with the random movement of atoms or molecules
Potential energy
energy that matter possesses because of its location or structure
Chemical energy
potential energy available for release in a chemical reaction
What is the study of energy transformations?
Thermodynamics
First law of thermodynamics
energy can be transferred and transformed, but it cannot be created or destroyed
Second law of thermodynamics
a. every energy transfer or transformation increases the entropy of the universe
b. During every energy transfer or transformation,
some energy is unusable and is often lost as heat
What is entropy?
Measure of molecular disorder or randomness
What is a spontaneous process?
a. if a given process, by itself, leads to an increase in entropy, that process can proceed without requiring an input of energy = energetically favorable
b. can happen quickly or slowly
How does one calculate free energy?
