[03] Principles of Bioenergetics

Question 1

What does ‘Bioenergetics’ mean?

Answer 1

The study of energy flow through living systems.

Question 2

What is the key concept in Bioenergetics?

Answer 2

Energy transformation in biological systems.

Question 3

Which law of thermodynamics is central to bioenergetics?

Answer 3

The First Law of Thermodynamics.

Question 4

What is the First Law of Thermodynamics?

Answer 4

Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed.

Question 5

Which principle explains how organisms obtain energy?

Answer 5

The principle of energy conservation.

Question 6

How does energy flow in a biological system?

Answer 6

From higher energy levels to lower energy levels.

Question 7

What is the ultimate source of energy for most living organisms?

Answer 7

The Sun.

Question 8

What is the basic energy currency in a biological system?

Answer 8

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP).

Question 9

What is ATP?

Answer 9

A molecule used by cells to store and transfer energy.

Question 10

Why is ATP important in bioenergetics?

Answer 10

It powers cellular processes that require energy.

Question 11

What does the term ‘metabolism’ mean in bioenergetics?

Answer 11

The total of all the chemical reactions in a biological system.

Question 12

What are the two main types of metabolism?

Answer 12

• Anabolism (constructive metabolism)
• Catabolism (destructive metabolism)

Question 13

How does Anabolism relate to Bioenergetics?

Answer 13

It refers to the building processes that require energy.

Question 14

How does Catabolism relate to Bioenergetics?

Answer 14

It refers to the breaking down processes that release energy.

Question 15

What does ‘energy coupling’ mean in Bioenergetics?

Answer 15

The use of energy released from an exergonic process to drive an endergonic process.

Question 16

What is an ‘exergonic process’?

Answer 16

A process that releases energy.

Question 17

What is an ‘endergonic process’?

Answer 17

A process that requires energy.

Question 18

What role does ATP play in energy coupling?

Answer 18

It is often used to drive endergonic processes by hydrolysis.

Question 19

What is ‘hydrolysis’?

Answer 19

The chemical breakdown of a compound due to reaction with water.

Question 20

What are ‘redox reactions’?

Answer 20

Chemical reactions involving oxidation and reduction.

Question 21

What is a ‘Redox Reaction’?

Answer 21

A type of chemical reaction that involves a transfer of electrons between two species.

Question 22

What is ‘Oxidation’?

Answer 22

A process in which a substance loses electrons.

Question 23

What is ‘Reduction’?

Answer 23

A process in which a substance gains electrons.

Question 24

Can oxidation occur without reduction in a redox reaction?

Answer 24

No, in a redox reaction, one species must be oxidized while the other is reduced.

Question 25

What is the species that is oxidized known as?

Answer 25

The reducing agent or reductant.

Question 26

Why is the species that is oxidized called the reducing agent?

Answer 26

Because it reduces the other species by donating electrons.

Question 27

What is the species that is reduced known as?

Answer 27

The oxidizing agent or oxidant.

Question 28

Why is the species that is reduced called the oxidizing agent?

Answer 28

Because it oxidizes the other species by accepting electrons.

Question 29

What role do redox reactions play in bioenergetics?

Answer 29

They are involved in many biological processes, including cellular respiration, where energy is produced.

Question 30

What’s an example of a biological redox reaction?

Answer 30

The conversion of glucose into carbon dioxide and water in cells, which involves the transfer of electrons.

Question 31

What is ‘OIL RIG’ in relation to redox reactions?

Answer 31

A mnemonic to remember the concept: Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).