Bioenergetics and Metabolism Quiz

The study of how living organisms convert energy from one form to another, focusing on how cells utilize energy for processes like cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within a living organism. These reactions allow organisms to grow, reproduce, and maintain their structures.

The breakdown of molecules to obtain energy. It releases energy stored in chemical bonds.

The synthesis of new molecules from smaller units. It requires energy to build new structures.

The main energy currency of cells, often referred to as the cell's energy 'money'.

A process where organisms convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. It's the basis of life on Earth.

A process where organisms break down glucose to release stored energy in the form of ATP. It's how we get energy from food.

The study of energy transformations in systems. It helps us understand how energy flows in living organisms.

Metabolic pathways can be categorized as linear or branched, with branched pathways producing multiple products from a single source or converting multiple starting materials into a single product.

Catabolism breaks down large molecules (like starch, glycogen, and fats) into smaller molecules, releasing energy.

Anabolism builds complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy.

Acetyl-CoA is a central molecule in metabolism used as a building block for anabolic reactions.

The Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle) is a cyclic pathway that processes acetyl-CoA to generate energy.

A key intermediate in the Krebs cycle, oxaloacetate, is regenerated each cycle.

The process of breaking down various nutrients, like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, into acetyl-CoA.

Acetyl-CoA is used as a building block to synthesize essential molecules, like fatty acids and their derivatives.

The process by which cells convert chemical energy stored in glucose into ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

A molecule that serves as the main energy carrier in cells, providing energy for cellular processes.

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed or transferred.

The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy (disorder) of the universe tends to increase in all natural processes.

The measure of disorder or randomness in a system.

The free energy change under standard conditions, often used to compare the relative energy yield of different reactions.

A physical constant that is characteristic for a given reaction and can be calculated from the equilibrium constant.

The process by which cells maintain a constant internal temperature.

The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment despite changes in the external environment.

The concentration of a substance (e.g., glucose) in blood is maintained at a constant level.

Cells must tightly regulate certain reactions to maintain their internal balance.

If metabolic reactions were allowed to reach equilibrium, their products could accumulate in dangerous levels.

The accumulation of highly charged molecules can lead to osmotic stress, causing water influx, swelling, and cell damage.

A category of metabolic pathways involving the breakdown and synthesis of carbohydrates. These pathways are central to energy production, providing ATP and metabolic intermediates.

A chemical reaction that breaks a bond by adding a water molecule, often used in digestion to break down polymers into monomers.

The process of forming a chemical bond between two molecules by removing a water molecule. This is typically used in the synthesis of polymers.

A reaction where a molecule is rearranged to form a structural isomer with different functional groups or bond arrangements.

A type of enzyme that joins two molecules together, typically forming a covalent bond. This process requires energy, usually derived from ATP.

The study of how energy is converted and used by living organisms, focusing on how cells utilize energy for various processes.

The sum of all chemical reactions occurring within a living organism, encompassing both the breakdown of molecules (catabolism) and the synthesis of new molecules (anabolism).

The breakdown of larger molecules into smaller units to release energy. This process is essential for obtaining energy from food.

The synthesis of new molecules from smaller units. This process requires energy to build new structures in the body.

The actual free-energy change, ΔG, takes into account both the standard free-energy change (ΔG'°) and the concentrations of reactants and products. It tells us if a reaction is spontaneous under specific conditions.

The equilibrium constant (Keq) reflects the ratio of products to reactants at equilibrium, indicating which direction a reaction favors.

The standard free-energy change (ΔG'°) is a theoretical value representing the potential energy change of a reaction under standard conditions, such as 298 K (25°C) and 1 atm pressure.

The free-energy change (ΔG) is related to the equilibrium constant (Keq) through the equation ΔG'° = -RTlnKeq. This equation highlights the relationship between spontaneity and equilibrium.

This principle explains how living organisms organize, control, and link reactions for survival. It encompasses energy management, reaction efficiency, and the reasons behind specific pathways.

These reactions involve the transfer of electrons between molecules, crucial for processes like cellular respiration and energy production in mitochondria

These reactions involve the transfer of functional groups, such as phosphate, methyl, or acyl groups, between molecules. This process is essential for activating molecules for various cellular functions.

These reactions involve the breaking down of molecules, releasing energy stored in chemical bonds. This process is vital for obtaining usable energy for the cell.