Cellular Energy and Its Forms

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What is the measure of randomness in a system?

Entropy

What category of reactions requires an input of energy to proceed and builds complex molecules from simpler components?

Endergonic reactions

Define catabolism.

The process of breaking down materials within the body

What are the two processes involved in metabolism?

Catabolism and anabolism Signup and view all the answers

How do age and gender affect the speed of metabolism within the body?

Age and gender can affect the speed of metabolism within the body Signup and view all the answers

What are the factors that can increase or decrease the speed of metabolism in the body?

Temperature or disease Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of energy that allows organisms to maintain their organization and stay alive?

Incoming energy and matter Signup and view all the answers

What type of energy transformation results in heat, which contributes to increasing disorder in the universe?

All energy transformations Signup and view all the answers

What is the energy source that powers the process of photosynthesis?

Sunlight Signup and view all the answers

Define exergonic reaction.

Releases energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the key process involved in cellular respiration?

Breaking down of Glucose to CO2 and H2O Signup and view all the answers

What do oxidation-reduction reactions form in organisms?

Electron Transport Chains Signup and view all the answers

Explain oxidation in the context of Redox reactions.

Loss of electrons from a molecule, atom, or ion Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during reduction in Redox reactions?

Gain of electrons Signup and view all the answers

Why do oxidation and reduction reactions occur simultaneously?

Electrons removed from one molecule during oxidation must join another molecule and reduce it Signup and view all the answers

Explain the relationship between oxidation and reduction reactions.

If one molecule is reduced (gains electrons), then another must be oxidized (loses electrons) Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of energy according to physicists?

The ability to do work Signup and view all the answers

What are the two forms of energy that make up the total amount of energy in any object?

Kinetic energy and Potential energy Signup and view all the answers

What is Potential Energy?

Stored energy available to do work Signup and view all the answers

What is Kinetic Energy?

Energy being used to do work Signup and view all the answers

What are Calories used to measure?

Energy Signup and view all the answers

How much energy does one calorie (cal) represent?

The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of water by 1 C Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common unit for measuring the energy content of food?

Kilocalories (kcal) which equals 1000 calories Signup and view all the answers

What do plants transform in photosynthesis into potential energy stored in the chemical bonds of sugars?

Kinetic energy in sunlight Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of ATP in organisms?

Short-term energy storage Signup and view all the answers

Why do organisms not stockpile large amounts of ATP?

Cells store energy-rich molecules such as fats, starch, and glycogen. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of enzymes in biochemical reactions?

To catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions without being consumed. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Active Site in enzymes?

The region to which substrates bind. Signup and view all the answers

How do enzymes speed up reactions?

By lowering the Activation Energy. Signup and view all the answers

Which organelles are specialized sacs of enzymes?

Mitochondria, chloroplasts, lysosomes, etc. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key to the specificity of enzymes?

The shape of the enzyme's Active Site. Signup and view all the answers

What do cells do when ATP supplies run low?

Divert lipid and carbohydrate reserves to cellular respiration pathways. Signup and view all the answers

What is the lock-and-key model used to describe in enzyme-substrate interactions?

How substrates fit into the active site of an enzyme like puzzle pieces. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the active site of an enzyme after it releases the products?

It becomes empty and ready to bind more substrate. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the enzyme-substrate complex (ES).

A temporary molecule formed when an enzyme perfectly contacts its substrate. Signup and view all the answers

What conditions can affect enzyme activity?

pH changes, salt concentrations, and temperature. Signup and view all the answers

What is the optimal pH range for most enzymes?

Between 6 and 8. Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of an enzyme with an optimal pH in the stomach.

Pepsin (pH between 2 & 4). Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to enzymes at very high temperatures?

They can denature. Signup and view all the answers

What are Cofactors in enzyme function?

Non-protein helpers that must be present for an enzyme to catalyze a chemical reaction. Signup and view all the answers