Bioenergetics: Energy Conversion and Transport

Study Notes

Bioenergetics: the study of the flow of energy through living organisms, from the molecular level to the entire ecosystem
Involves the conversion of energy from one form to another, and the transport of energy within and between cells

Kinetic energy: the energy of motion, associated with the movement of molecules and ions
Potential energy: stored energy, associated with the position of molecules and ions
Thermal energy: the energy of heat, associated with the temperature of a system
Chemical energy: the energy stored in chemical bonds, released through chemical reactions
Electrochemical energy: the energy associated with the movement of charged particles (ions) across cell membranes

ATP: the primary energy currency of the cell, used to drive energy-requiring processes
Energy coupling: the process of converting energy from one form to another, often through the hydrolysis of ATP
Exergonic reactions: energy-releasing reactions, often resulting in the synthesis of ATP
Endergonic reactions: energy-requiring reactions, often driven by the hydrolysis of ATP

Cellular respiration: the process of generating ATP through the breakdown of glucose and other organic molecules
Photosynthesis: the process of generating ATP through the conversion of light energy into chemical energy
Fermentation: the process of generating ATP through the breakdown of organic molecules in the absence of oxygen

Energy homeostasis: the maintenance of a stable energy balance within the cell or organism
Energy sensors: molecules that detect changes in energy levels and trigger responses to maintain energy homeostasis
Signaling pathways: molecular pathways that transmit energy-related signals to regulate cellular processes

Bioenergetics involves the study of energy flow through living organisms, covering molecular, cellular, and ecosystem levels.
It includes energy conversion from one form to another and transport within and between cells.

Kinetic energy is associated with molecular and ionic motion.
Potential energy is stored energy associated with molecular and ionic positions.
Thermal energy is related to a system's temperature.
Chemical energy is stored in chemical bonds and released through chemical reactions.
Electrochemical energy is associated with the movement of charged particles across cell membranes.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the primary energy currency of the cell, driving energy-requiring processes.
Energy coupling involves converting energy from one form to another, often through ATP hydrolysis.
Exergonic reactions release energy, often resulting in ATP synthesis.
Endergonic reactions require energy, often driven by ATP hydrolysis.

Cellular respiration generates ATP by breaking down glucose and other organic molecules.
Photosynthesis generates ATP by converting light energy into chemical energy.
Fermentation generates ATP by breaking down organic molecules in the absence of oxygen.

Energy homeostasis maintains a stable energy balance within the cell or organism.
Energy sensors detect changes in energy levels and trigger responses to maintain energy homeostasis.
Signaling pathways transmit energy-related signals to regulate cellular processes.