Biology Chapter 8: Energy in Organisms

Questions and Answers

What is energy?

Ability to do work.

What is thermodynamics?

Study of the flow and how energy transforms in the world.

What is metabolism?

All the chemical reactions that happen in the cell.

What is photosynthesis?

When light energy is changed to chemical energy. Signup and view all the answers

What is cellular respiration?

Catabolic pathway in which organic molecules are broken down to release energy for the cell. Signup and view all the answers

What is adenosine triphosphate?

Most important biological molecule that provides chemical energy. Signup and view all the answers

What are chemoautotrophs?

Autotrophs that use inorganic substances to make their food. Signup and view all the answers

What is a metabolic pathway?

A series of reactions when one product is used as an ingredient for the next reaction. Signup and view all the answers

What is the major source of energy for living organisms?

The major source of energy is the sun. Signup and view all the answers

Compare and contrast anabolic and catabolic pathways.

Catabolic pathways release energy by breaking down larger molecules into smaller molecules; anabolic pathways use the energy released by catabolic pathways to make larger molecules. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Energy and Its Importance

Energy is defined as the ability to do work, crucial for all life processes.

Thermodynamics

Thermodynamics explores the flow and transformation of energy in the universe.
First Law: The law of conservation of energy; energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.
Second Law: Energy transformations are not 100% efficient; some energy is always lost in the process.

Metabolism

Metabolism encompasses all chemical reactions occurring within a cell, vital for maintaining life.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process where plants convert light energy into chemical energy, using sunlight to produce glucose.

Cellular Respiration

Cellular Respiration is a catabolic pathway where organic molecules are broken down to release energy for cellular functions.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is the primary biological molecule providing chemical energy for cells, essential for energy transfer.

Chemoautotrophs

Chemoautotrophs are organisms that synthesize their food using inorganic substances, playing a key role in certain ecosystems.

Metabolic Pathways

Metabolic Pathway refers to a sequence of biochemical reactions, where the product of one reaction serves as the reactant in the next.

Major Energy Source

The major source of energy for living organisms is the Sun, which drives photosynthesis, the foundation of the food chain.

Anabolic vs. Catabolic Pathways

Catabolic Pathways: Break down larger molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy.
Anabolic Pathways: Use the energy released by catabolic pathways to synthesize larger molecules.
Both types of pathways contribute to a continuous flow of energy throughout the organism.

Description

Explore the essential concepts of energy in biology with our flashcards covering Chapter 8, Section 1. This quiz includes key terms such as thermodynamics, metabolism, and photosynthesis, providing a comprehensive understanding of how organisms obtain energy. Perfect for biology students looking to solidify their knowledge!