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What does the Gibbs equation ΔG = ΔH - TΔS represent in metabolic processes?
What does the Gibbs equation ΔG = ΔH - TΔS represent in metabolic processes?
It represents the relationship between free energy change (ΔG), enthalpy change (ΔH), and entropy change (TΔS), determining the spontaneity of chemical reactions.
How are organisms classified according to their cellular organization?
How are organisms classified according to their cellular organization?
Organisms are classified into six kingdoms based on their cellular organization: Archaea and Bacteria are unicellular prokaryotes, while the other 4 are eukaryotes Protista: unicellular Fungi: uni- or multicellular Plantae, and Animalia are eukaryotes are multicellular.
What indicates a favorable reaction in terms of Gibbs free energy?
What indicates a favorable reaction in terms of Gibbs free energy?
A favorable reaction is indicated if the change in Gibbs free energy (ΔGo) is negative, meaning the free energy of the products is less than that of the reactants.
What can be inferred when the equilibrium constant (K'eq) is greater than 1.0?
What can be inferred when the equilibrium constant (K'eq) is greater than 1.0?
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What is the significance of ΔG° under standard conditions?
What is the significance of ΔG° under standard conditions?
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Eukaryotes primarily use ______ respiration, which is more energy-efficient.
Eukaryotes primarily use ______ respiration, which is more energy-efficient.
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Eukaryotes store energy in the form of ______ in animals and starch in plants.
Eukaryotes store energy in the form of ______ in animals and starch in plants.
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One reason eukaryotes have greater energy efficiency is their ______ of cellular structures.
One reason eukaryotes have greater energy efficiency is their ______ of cellular structures.
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High energy efficiency in eukaryotes supports complex ______ structures and functions.
High energy efficiency in eukaryotes supports complex ______ structures and functions.
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whats the formula for Keq
whats the formula for Keq
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Which of the following best describes the standard state for liquid substances?
Which of the following best describes the standard state for liquid substances?
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How is ΔG° calculated using temperature and entropy?
How is ΔG° calculated using temperature and entropy?
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What does the equation ΔG° = -RT ln(K) illustrate at equilibrium?
What does the equation ΔG° = -RT ln(K) illustrate at equilibrium?
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What units are used to express ΔG°?
What units are used to express ΔG°?
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How is ΔG° calculated using the equilibrium constant K?
How is ΔG° calculated using the equilibrium constant K?
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when ΔG° is 0, what value is the equilibrium constant K and what happens to the rxn
when ΔG° is 0, what value is the equilibrium constant K and what happens to the rxn
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when ΔG° is +ve, what value is the equilibrium constant K and what happens to the rxn
when ΔG° is +ve, what value is the equilibrium constant K and what happens to the rxn
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when ΔG° is -ve, what value is the equilibrium constant K and what happens to the rxn
when ΔG° is -ve, what value is the equilibrium constant K and what happens to the rxn
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What are the three factors that determine the free-energy change of a reaction in vivo?
What are the three factors that determine the free-energy change of a reaction in vivo?
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How does the actual concentration of reactants and products affect the free energy change in a reaction?
How does the actual concentration of reactants and products affect the free energy change in a reaction?
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Explain how temperature influences the free energy change in cellular reactions.
Explain how temperature influences the free energy change in cellular reactions.
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Why are hydrolytic reactions considered strongly favorable? (addition of water)
Why are hydrolytic reactions considered strongly favorable? (addition of water)
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How do chemotrophs obtain energy through the oxidation of reduced compounds?
How do chemotrophs obtain energy through the oxidation of reduced compounds?
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What does it mean for a reaction to be thermodynamically favorable but kinetically slow?
What does it mean for a reaction to be thermodynamically favorable but kinetically slow?
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standard free energy changes are additive
standard free energy changes are additive
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why do Isomerization reactions have smaller free-energy changes:
why do Isomerization reactions have smaller free-energy changes:
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why is the energy difference between these two enantiomers essentially zero, or very close to zero?
why is the energy difference between these two enantiomers essentially zero, or very close to zero?
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What method do chemotrophs primarily use to obtain energy?
What method do chemotrophs primarily use to obtain energy?
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Why is the oxidation of reduced fuels with O2 considered stepwise and controlled in biochemistry?
Why is the oxidation of reduced fuels with O2 considered stepwise and controlled in biochemistry?
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What happens during the complete oxidation of reduced compounds?
What happens during the complete oxidation of reduced compounds?
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What is the primary benefit of a stepwise oxidation of food in living organisms?
What is the primary benefit of a stepwise oxidation of food in living organisms?
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How does the process of chemotrophy compare to photosynthesis?
How does the process of chemotrophy compare to photosynthesis?
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What happens during the hydrolysis of ATP that releases energy?
What happens during the hydrolysis of ATP that releases energy?
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How does solvation play a role in the favorability of ATP hydrolysis?
How does solvation play a role in the favorability of ATP hydrolysis?
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In what way does resonance stabilization contribute to ATP hydrolysis?
In what way does resonance stabilization contribute to ATP hydrolysis?
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What are the implications of breaking down ATP for energy in biological systems?
What are the implications of breaking down ATP for energy in biological systems?
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when ATP gives/provides energy it can change depending on two things, what are those things (in vivo)
when ATP gives/provides energy it can change depending on two things, what are those things (in vivo)
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when the body uses ATP, it uses the version coupled with Mg (Mg-ATP), and its the same scenario for when the ATP is broken down
when the body uses ATP, it uses the version coupled with Mg (Mg-ATP), and its the same scenario for when the ATP is broken down
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Chemical coupling of exergonic and endergonic reactions allows otherwise unfavorable reactions to occur.
Chemical coupling of exergonic and endergonic reactions allows otherwise unfavorable reactions to occur.
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ATP is not involved in chemical coupling during metabolic reactions.
ATP is not involved in chemical coupling during metabolic reactions.
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A "high-energy" molecule like ATP reacts directly with the metabolite that requires activation.
A "high-energy" molecule like ATP reacts directly with the metabolite that requires activation.
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Exergonic reactions provide the energy needed to drive endergonic reactions in the body.
Exergonic reactions provide the energy needed to drive endergonic reactions in the body.
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Several phosphorylated compounds release a small amount of energy when they undergo hydrolysis.
Several phosphorylated compounds release a small amount of energy when they undergo hydrolysis.
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how does resonance stabilize compounds
how does resonance stabilize compounds
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in what ways does hydrolysis stabilize a compound phosphorylated compound?
in what ways does hydrolysis stabilize a compound phosphorylated compound?
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tautomerization, is a structural rearrangement that leads to an even more stable form
tautomerization, is a structural rearrangement that leads to an even more stable form
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Phosphate can be transferred from compounds with higher ΔG’o
to those with lower ΔG’o
Phosphate can be transferred from compounds with higher ΔG’o to those with lower ΔG’o
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PEP + ADP => Pyruvate + ATP is a nonfavourable rxn
PEP + ADP => Pyruvate + ATP is a nonfavourable rxn
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how is ATP made a potent source of chemical energy in cells
how is ATP made a potent source of chemical energy in cells
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what role does P-Cr play in the transfer of energy?
what role does P-Cr play in the transfer of energy?
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Study Notes
Energy and Metabolic Processes
- Gibbs free energy equation: ΔG = ΔH - TΔS. It describes energy transformations in biological systems.
- Organisms perform energy transductions to accomplish work necessary for survival.
Six Kingdoms of Life
- Archaea: Unicellular prokaryotes with distinctive biochemistry and genetics.
- Bacteria: Unicellular prokaryotes, diverse in forms and functions.
- Protista: Unicellular eukaryotes, often found in aquatic environments.
- Fungi: Can be unicellular or multicellular eukaryotes, known for decomposing organic matter.
- Plantae: Multicellular eukaryotes, primarily photosynthetic organisms.
- Animalia: Multicellular eukaryotes, heterotrophic and diverse in form and behavior.
Metabolism and Chemical Reactions
- Metabolism encompasses all chemical reactions within a cell, providing energy and necessary compounds for life.
- Constant temperature and pressure on Earth allows for a simplified bioenergetic analysis using standard Gibbs free energy (ΔGo).
Gibbs Free Energy and Reaction Favorability
- A reaction is favorable when ΔGo is negative, indicating products have lower free energy than reactants.
- Example reaction: A + B ⇄ C + D will proceed if GC + GD < GA + GB.
Equilibrium and Spontaneity
- ΔG° measures the spontaneity of reactions in biological systems under standard conditions.
- Standard conditions involve starting with 1 M concentrations of reactants.
- The gas constant (R) is valued at 0.00831 kJoule/mole/K.
Relationships of Equilibrium Constant and ΔG°
- At equilibrium (K'eq = 1.0), ΔG° is zero, indicating no net change in concentrations.
- When K'eq > 1.0, ΔG° is negative, and the reaction proceeds in the forward direction.
- When K'eq < 1.0, ΔG° is positive, favoring the reverse reaction.
Eukaryotic Organisms
- Complex cells featuring a nucleus and organelles, including plants, animals, fungi, and protists.
Cellular Respiration
- Primarily relies on aerobic respiration for higher energy efficiency compared to anaerobic processes.
- Mitochondria function as the energy powerhouse, producing ATP via oxidative phosphorylation.
ATP Production Mechanisms
-
Glycolysis:
- Located in the cytoplasm, converts glucose to pyruvate with a yield of 2 ATP.
-
Krebs Cycle:
- Takes place in mitochondria, processes pyruvate to create electron carriers (NADH, FADH2) and generates 2 ATP.
-
Electron Transport Chain:
- Situated in the inner mitochondrial membrane, utilizes electron carriers to create up to 34 ATP through chemiosmosis.
Energy Conversion Efficiency
- Aerobic respiration achieves about 34% efficiency in converting glucose energy into ATP, with excess energy released as heat.
- Heat production aids in maintaining body temperature for warm-blooded species.
Photosynthesis in Plants
- Eukaryotic plants convert solar energy to chemical energy using chloroplasts.
- Comprises two stages: light-dependent reactions (producing ATP and NADPH) and the Calvin cycle (utilizing ATP and NADPH for glucose synthesis).
- A highly efficient method for energy capture and storage.
Energy Storage Methods
- Eukaryotes store energy as glycogen (in animals) and starch (in plants).
- Lipids provide a long-term energy reserve, yielding more energy per gram than carbohydrates.
Adaptations for Energy Efficiency
- Specialized structures like mitochondria and chloroplasts evolved to enhance energy production efficiency.
- Allosteric regulation of key enzymes optimizes energy resource utilization.
Eukaryotes vs. Prokaryotes
- Eukaryotes typically exhibit greater energy efficiency due to compartmentalization and more intricate metabolic pathways relative to prokaryotes.
Implications of Energy Efficiency
- High energy efficiency enables the support of complex multicellular structures and diverse functions.
- Influences growth, reproduction, and survival capabilities across a range of environments.
Future Research Directions
- Investigate energy pathway optimization in eukaryotes for applications in bioengineering and sustainability efforts.
- Study the contribution of microbiomes to enhancing energy efficiency in eukaryotic organisms.
ΔG° (Standard Gibbs Free Energy Change)
- ΔG° denotes the change in Gibbs free energy at standard conditions: 1 atm pressure, 1 M concentration, typically at 25°C.
- The sign of ΔG° determines reaction spontaneity:
- Negative ΔG° signifies a spontaneous reaction.
- Positive ΔG° indicates a non-spontaneous reaction.
- Calculation formula:
- ΔG° = ΔH° - TΔS°
- ΔH° represents the change in enthalpy.
- T is the temperature measured in Kelvin.
- ΔS° indicates the change in entropy.
- ΔG° = ΔH° - TΔS°
- At equilibrium, the relationship is defined as ΔG° = -RT ln(K):
- R is the universal gas constant (8.314 J/mol·K).
- T remains the temperature in Kelvin.
- K is the equilibrium constant.
- Standard states provide a framework for measurements:
- Gases are measured at 1 atm pressure.
- Pure liquids and solids are evaluated at 1 M concentration.
- Aqueous solutions are maintained at 1 M concentration.
- Units of ΔG° are generally expressed in kilojoules per mole (kJ/mol).
- Applications span across thermodynamics, aiding in predicting the feasibility of reactions and assessing biochemical pathways' favorability.
- Key characteristics:
- ΔG° is influenced by temperature and does not indicate the reaction rate—just its thermodynamic favorability.
- It can be affected by variations in concentration, pressure, and temperature in practical applications.
Free-Energy Change in Cellular Reactions
- Free-energy change (( \Delta G )) for reactions in a cell is influenced by several factors, making it dynamic rather than standard.
- Standard change in free energy (( \Delta G^\circ )) is a baseline measurement under idealized conditions, typically at specific temperature and pressure.
- Actual concentrations of reactants and products in the cell significantly shift the free-energy change, differing from standard conditions.
Reaction Equation
- For the generalized reaction format: ( aA + bB \rightarrow cC + dD )
- The equation to calculate the free energy change includes:
- Standard free energy change: ( \Delta G^\circ )
- Actual concentrations of reactants and products: expressed as ([A]), ([B]), ([C]), and ([D])
- The formula: [ \Delta G' = \Delta G^\circ + RT \ln \left( \frac{[C]^c[D]^d}{[A]^a[B]^b} \right) ]
- ( R ) represents the gas constant, and ( T ) is the temperature in Kelvin.
Implications for Cellular Reactions
- Conditions within the cell (in vivo) often deviate from standard, affecting energy outcomes of biochemical reactions.
- This variability is crucial for understanding metabolic pathways and cellular functioning.
Hydrolytic Reactions
- Hydrolytic reactions are generally spontaneous and strongly favorable.
- Significant energy release occurs during these reactions, driving various biological processes.
Isomerization Reactions
- Isomerization reactions involve smaller changes in free energy compared to hydrolytic reactions.
- Enantiomeric isomerization, such as between D-Glucose and L-Glucose, exhibits a standard free energy change (ΔG°) of 0, indicating equilibrium.
Oxidation of Reduced Compounds
- Complete oxidation of reduced compounds is highly favorable and is a primary energy source for chemotrophs.
- In biochemical contexts, oxidation processes occur in a stepwise and controlled manner, particularly when using oxygen (O2).
Thermodynamics vs. Kinetics
- A reaction being thermodynamically favorable doesn't imply that it will occur quickly; kinetics play a crucial role in reaction rates.
Complete Oxidation of Reduced Compounds
- Complete oxidation of reduced compounds is a highly favorable process.
- This means that reactions where substances combine with oxygen to release energy occur spontaneously.
- This process is essential for chemotrophs to obtain energy.
- Chemotrophs are organisms that use chemical reactions to obtain energy.
- Examples of chemotrophs include bacteria and humans.
Controlled Oxidation in Biochemistry
- In biochemistry, the oxidation of reduced fuels with O2 is a carefully controlled, step-by-step process.
- This allows for the gradual release of energy, rather than a sudden burst.
- This controlled process is essential for the efficient utilization of energy by living organisms.
Hydrolysis of ATP
- ATP hydrolysis is highly favorable under standard conditions.
- ATP is broken down into ADP and Pi, releasing energy.
- Products experience better charge separation.
- ADP and Pi have more favorable resonance stabilization.
- Products are better solvated (hydrated).
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