Life at the molecular level Flashcards
Briefly describe life processes in terms of the Laws of Thermodynamics
Energy can be converted from one form to another, but not created or destroyed. All energy transformations ultimately lead to more entropy in the universe. This is true for living organisms, even though the processes create more order, the heat created is released into the universe, creating more entropy there.
Explain that life processes occur in a dynamic steady state
In biological reaction pathways, products from one, are used in the next pathway, and so are unable to reach equilibrium. Food is supplied and waste is removed in a continuous state. This is called a ‘Dynamic steady-state’. It allows the entropy produced to be used in the construction of higher-order compounds.
Define Metabolism
The chemical processes in a living organism that allows food to be used for tissue growth.
It is a mix of summative and degrative reactions (Anabolism and catabolism respectively)
Energy obtained from catabolic reactions is used up in anabolic reactions to produce more highly ordered compounds.
Define Catabolism
Occurs with negative G, are spontaneous
e.g Starch to Glucose
Define Anabolism
Occurs with positive G, are not spontaneous.
Describe in general terms, the structures and contributions to metabolic flow of ATP, ADP, NADP, NAD, FAD.
ATP/ADP acts as a free energy carrier, coupling anabolic and catabolic reactions using phosphate group transfers.
NADP/NAD and FAD are used in redox reactions as electron carriers