AP Bio Insta-Review Topic 3.4*: Cellular Energy

Front

What is cellular energy?

Back

Cellular energy refers to the energy produced by cells to perform various functions, primarily in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

Front

What is the role of ATP in cellular processes?

Back

ATP serves as the primary energy currency of the cell, providing energy for various biochemical reactions and processes.

Front

Define metabolism.

Back

Metabolism is the sum of all chemical reactions that occur within a living organism to maintain life, including catabolism and anabolism.

Front

What is the difference between catabolism and anabolism?

Back

Catabolism is the breakdown of molecules to obtain energy, while anabolism is the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring energy.

Front

What does the first law of thermodynamics state?

Back

The first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

Front

Explain the second law of thermodynamics.

Back

The second law of thermodynamics states that in any energy transfer, the total entropy (disorder) of a closed system will always increase over time.

Front

What is an exergonic reaction?

Back

An exergonic reaction is a chemical reaction that releases energy, typically characterized by a negative change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG).

Front

What is an endergonic reaction?

Back

An endergonic reaction is a chemical reaction that requires energy input, characterized by a positive change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG).

Front

What does ΔG represent in thermodynamics?

Back

ΔG represents the change in Gibbs free energy, indicating the spontaneity of a reaction; negative ΔG means spontaneous, while positive ΔG means nonspontaneous.

Front

How does enzyme inhibition affect reaction rates?

Back

Enzyme inhibition decreases the rate of a reaction by preventing the enzyme from catalyzing the conversion of substrates into products.