Lecture 13: Energy and Thermodynamics

Question 1

Know the basic structure of ATP and its role as the energy currency of ALL
cells.

Answer 1

• ATP consists of 3 phosphate groups, ribose, and adenine.

- contains energy in its chemical bonds used by cells to perform work.

Question 2

Know and compare Chemotrophs (autotrophs vs heterotrophs) and
Phototrophs (autotrophs vs heterotrophs).

Answer 2

ORGANISMS:
1. Phototrophs
get energy from sunlight
1a) Autotrophs
Carbon from CO2
1b) heterotophs
Carbon from organic compounds

2. Chemotrophs:
Energy from chemical compounds
2a) Autotrophs
Carbon from CO2
1b) heterotophs
Carbon from organic compounds

Question 3

Know the types of work that cells need to carry out.

Answer 3

ie)

• Synthesizing DNA, RNA, and proteins.
• Moving vesicles
• Movement across membranes

Question 4

Know and compare kinetic and potential energy.

Answer 4

Kinetic energy:
- energy of motion
Potential energy:
- stored energy

Question 5

Describe chemical energy.

Answer 5

Is a form of potential energy.

Question 6

Catabolism vs anabolism

Answer 6

• Catabolism: breakdown, produces ATP.

- Anabolism: build up, requires ATP

Question 7

Know the relationship between electron position and energy.

Answer 7

The further away the electron’s orbital is, the more potential energy the electron has.

Question 8

Know where chemical energy is stored within ATP.

Answer 8

The chemical energy of ATP is held in the bonds connecting the phosphate groups.

Question 9

Define an open system in the context of thermodynamics.

Answer 9

• In an open system, energy and matter can
  be transferred between the system and its
  surroundings.
• Organisms are open systems.

Question 10

• Describe and compare the first and second laws of thermodynamics.

Answer 10

1st law:
- energy cannot be created, only transformed.
AKA: The principle of conservation of energy.

2nd law:
- There is a loss of energy available to do work when energy is transformed.