Intro to Biological Energy Flashcards
Metabolic Pathway
A series of defined steps in which a specific molecule is altered, resulting in a certain product
Catabolic
Breakdown pathways (release energy by breaking down complex molecules to simpler ones)
Anabolic
Consumes energy to build complex molecules from simpler ones
1st Law of Thermodynamics
The energy of the universe is constant: Energy can be transferred or transformed but not created nor destroyed
2nd Law of Thermodynamics
Energy transfer or transformation increases the entropy of the universe
Entropy
A measure of molecular disorder (lackness of order in a system –> Randomness)
Free Energy
The portion of a system’s energy that can perform work (Delta G)
Delta G = (Energy Products) - (Energy Reactants)
Exergonic Reactions
Net release of energy (NEGATIVE delta G)
–> “Spontaneous”
–> “Down hill”
Spontaneous Reaction
Energy input from the environment and from the reaction itself is sufficient to keep reaction going
Endergonic Reactions
Net absorption of energy (POSITIVE Delta G)
–> “Non-spontaneous”
–> “Up-hill”
Non-spontaneous Reaction
Energy input from environment/reaction itself is insufficient (requires added energy input to keep going)
ATP
Adenosine Triphosphate (a nucleotide)
The “universal currency” as it can be used as energy for various purposes
ATP Structure
Made up of 3 main components:
1) 5 Carbon Sugar = Ribose
2) Adenine (on 1’ C)
3) 3 Phosphate groups (on 5’ C)
ATP Phosphates
Starting from closest to 5’ Carbon:
1) Alpha phosphate
2) Beta phosphate
3) Gamma phosphate
Gamma Phosphate
3rd Phosphate Group
Most repelled = most likely to get bumped off (hydrolyzed)
–> Releases the most amount of energy compared to other phosphates
