Biology Chapter 6 - Metabolism

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Questions and Answers

What is the role of microbes in the breakdown of dung?

They produce carbon monoxide.

They break down organic material to make energy for themselves. (correct)

They convert energy into heat.

They create new plant matter.

What distinguishes a metabolically active organism from one that is not?

The capability to reproduce.

The presence of chloroplasts.

The current use of energy and resources. (correct)

The ability to photosynthesize.

Which of the following describes heterotrophs?

Organisms that do not consume other living forms.

Organisms that capture sunlight for energy.

Organisms that create energy through photosynthesis.

Organisms that originally had chloroplasts. (correct)

What occurs during catabolic pathways?

Energy is generated by breaking down larger molecules. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines exergonic processes?

They release energy as a result of chemical reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What is activation energy in the context of chemical reactions?

The energy required to change potential energy to kinetic energy. Signup and view all the answers

In what form do carnivores obtain their energy?

By consuming herbivores. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy for most life forms on Earth?

The sun. Signup and view all the answers

What role do enzymes play in biochemical reactions?

They act as catalysts to lower the activation energy. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term entropy refer to in a system?

The measure of randomness or disorder in a system. Signup and view all the answers

How do gases compare to solids regarding entropy?

Gases have higher entropy than solids. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of ATP in biological systems?

To serve as the primary energy currency of the cell. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of metabolism, what happens to the entropy of the universe?

It increases as ordered states become disordered. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding catalysts is correct?

They are proteins that help to lower activation energy. Signup and view all the answers

How do organisms combat the effects of entropy?

By utilizing ATP to maintain metabolic processes. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the entropy of a biosphere over time?

It increases as it experiences continuous organization. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Metabolism Overview

Organic material in dung remains due to incomplete metabolism.
Microbial activity in dung generates heat and produces ATP.
Metabolically active entities, like hummingbirds, constantly consume energy.
Most life on Earth derives energy from sunlight; plants utilize photosynthesis.

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

Autotrophs convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, producing sugar from CO2.
Herbivores feed on plants, while carnivores consume herbivores.
Decomposers, including fungi and bacteria, recycle organic matter after death.

Evolution of Organisms

Life forms evolved to harness solar energy, originating from deep-sea hydrothermal vents.
Mixotrophs can both photosynthesize and consume other organisms.
Heterotrophs evolved to rely solely on sugars produced by autotrophs.

Biochemical Pathways

Anabolic pathways use energy to build larger molecules, such as polymers.
Catabolic pathways release energy by breaking down complex molecules into smaller monomers.
Deforming materials converts potential energy into heat.

Energy Concepts

Kinetic energy results from moving water, while water behind dams represents potential energy.
Combustion of hydrocarbons releases stored energy.
Endergonic processes consume energy, whereas exergonic processes release energy.

Activation Energy and Enzymes

Activation energy is necessary for reactions; enzymes act as catalysts to lower this requirement.
Enzymes facilitate reactions by reducing the energy "hump" necessary to initiate them.

Entropy and Life

Entropy measures disorder; gases exhibit higher entropy than liquids or solids.
Diffusion reflects the natural movement towards disorder, with life striving to maintain organization.
ATP serves as the primary energy currency to counteract entropy, facilitating cellular processes.
While localized entropy in organisms can decrease, global entropy continues to rise.

Additional Concepts

Cellular processes are predominantly mediated by proteins.

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Description

Explore the fascinating processes of metabolism in living organisms with this chapter quiz. Learn how energy is derived from organic material and the role of microbes in breaking down substances. Test your understanding of metabolic activity and the difference between living and dormant states.