Thermodynamics Flashcards
Metabolism
all biochemical reactions occurring in the cell
Pathways
different groups of biochemical reactions, regulated by cell to focus on different functions
Catabolic Pathways
break down larger molecules into small molecules, releases energy stored in bonds
Anabolic Pathway
create large molecules by combining smaller molecules, needs energy to form bonds
Bioenergetics
study of energy flow through living systems, minimize energy in cells
Thermodynamics
study of energy transformation in matter
System
the thing being studied in thermodynamics
Surroundings
not being studied in thermodynamics
1st Law of Thermodynamics
energy can be transferred and transformed but can’t be created or destroyed, total amount of energy never changes
2nd Law
every transformation causes some energy to become unusable
Entropy
lost energy in transformations of energy, disorder, natural state of universe
Spontaneous Reaction
process that doesn’t need external energy, high energy to low energy
Nonspontaneous Reaction
process that needs external energy to work, low energy to high energy
Energy Equation
𝚫H = 𝚫G + T𝚫S
H in Energy Equation
enthalpy, total energy in system
G in Energy Equation
free energy, energy available to do work in system
S in Energy Equation
entropy
T in Energy Equation
temperature in kelvins of system
Exergonic Reaction
more energy leaves system, free energy is reduced (𝚫G<0), in spontaneous reactions
Endergonic Reaction
more energy enters system, free energy increased (𝚫G>0), in nonspontaneous reactions
Equilibrium
no change in free energy (𝚫G=0), no energy = no work = dead cell
Cellular Work
nonspontaneous reactions powered by ATP
ATP
chemical energy, neucleotide triphosphate
Chemical Work
anabolic reactions
Mechanical Work
mobility related movement
Transport Work
build chemical gradients, pump substances across membrane
Bioluminescence
generate light energy from chemical energy (opposite of photosynthesis)
