Metabolism - Energy, Life, And Transformation

This section explores the intricate world of metabolism, emphasizing energy transactions governed by thermodynamics within biological systems.

Introduction To Metabolism And Bioenergetics

This section introduces the concept of metabolism as the sum of all biochemical reactions in living organisms, emphasizing energy acquisition, transformation, and the importance of ATP.

Thermodynamics As Applied To Biological Systems

This section covers the application of thermodynamics principles in biological systems, exploring energy conservation, entropy, and free energy in metabolic reactions.

The First Law Of Thermodynamics: The Law Of Conservation Of Energy

The First Law of Thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed or transferred, and has significant implications for biological systems.

The Second Law Of Thermodynamics: The Principle Of Entropy Increase

The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the total entropy of an isolated system always increases over time, leading to greater disorder in natural processes, which living organisms counteract by being open systems.

Free Energy (Gibbs Free Energy, G): The Available Energy For Work

Gibbs Free Energy (G) quantifies the energy available for work in biological systems, allowing for predictions of reaction spontaneity through its change (ΔG).

Exothermic/endothermic Versus Exergonic/endergonic Reactions

This section explains the differences between exothermic/endothermic and exergonic/endergonic reactions, focusing on heat exchange and free energy changes.

Exothermic Vs. Endothermic Reactions (Based On Enthalpy Change, Δh)

This section explains the differences between exothermic and endothermic reactions, focusing on heat exchange and enthalpy change.

Exergonic Vs. Endergonic Reactions (Based On Gibbs Free Energy Change, Δg)

This section compares exergonic and endergonic reactions based on the concept of Gibbs Free Energy, ΔG, and their implications for spontaneity in biochemical processes.

Concept Of Equilibrium Constant (Keq) And Its Relation To Standard Free Energy (Δgo′)

The section discusses the concept of the equilibrium constant (Keq) and its mathematical relationship with standard free energy change (ΔGo′), highlighting the implications for reaction favorability in biological systems.

Spontaneity Of Reactions In Biological Systems

The spontaneity of biochemical reactions in cells is determined by the Gibbs Free Energy Change (ΔG), influencing whether reactions can proceed without energy input.

Atp As An Energy Currency

ATP is the primary energy currency of the cell, facilitating energy transfer between catabolic and anabolic reactions.

Structure Of Atp

ATP is a crucial energy currency in cells, composed of adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups.

Hydrolysis Of Atp And Energy Release

The hydrolysis of ATP releases energy necessary for cellular functions, primarily converting ATP to ADP and inorganic phosphate.

Atp Turnover: Constant Regeneration And Consumption

ATP is a crucial energy carrier in cells, rapidly consumed and regenerated to meet metabolic demands.

Energy-Yielding And Energy-Consuming Reactions: Key Metabolic Pathways

This section explores the interconnectedness of energy-yielding and energy-consuming metabolic pathways, focusing on cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

Energy-Yielding Reactions: Catabolism (The Complete Breakdown Of Glucose To Co2 + H2o - Cellular Respiration)

Cellular respiration is the process by which glucose is completely oxidized to carbon dioxide and water, generating ATP from the released energy, primarily taking place in four stages: glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.

Energy-Consuming Reactions: Anabolism (The Synthesis Of Glucose From Co2 + H2o - Photosynthesis)

This section discusses the process of photosynthesis, an anabolic pathway essential for life, in which glucose is synthesized from carbon dioxide and water using light energy.

Concept Of Energy Charge

The concept of Energy Charge reflects a cell's energy status by quantifying the balance of ATP, ADP, and AMP, and plays a critical role in regulating metabolic pathways.

Definition And Formula

The Energy Charge is a dimensionless ratio that quantifies the energy status of a cell, reflecting the balance of ATP, ADP, and AMP concentrations.

Range Of Energy Charge

The Energy Charge is a key metric reflecting the balance of ATP, ADP, and AMP in cells, which informs metabolic regulation and energy homeostasis.

Biological Significance And Regulatory Role

The Energy Charge is a critical regulatory parameter in cells that ensures energy homeostasis by balancing ATP, ADP, and AMP levels, influencing metabolic pathway regulation.