LO2 Flashcards
(18 cards)
Basic Processes of Life (Energy, Metabolism, Chemical)
- Atoms and chemical bonds forms the foundation of life
Energy (4 Types)
Energy
- Energy is the capacity to do work; to put matter into motion
▪ Moving a muscle or moving a blood cell
▪ Energy is stored in chemical bonds of molecules
Energy
- Energy is the capacity to do work; to put matter into motion
▪ Moving a muscle or moving a blood cell
▪ Energy is stored in chemical bonds of molecules
Potential energy
Potential Energy is energy stored in the bonds of molecules
▪ Chemical reactions release the energy and make it available to use
Kinetic energy
Energy in motion
Radiant energy
Radiant Energy is the heat resulting from molecular motion
Electrical Energy
Electrical Energy can be potential (charged particles accumulated on one side of a cell membrane) or kinetic (ions move through the cell membrane)
Metabolism
- The sum of all chemical reactions in the body (metabolism)
- There are 2 types of metabolic activity
Catabolism
Involves breaking down complex compounds (such as large food molecules) into simpler ones (Food/Large Molecules -> Simpler Molecules)
o Breaking of chemical bonds releases energy
o Some energy is released as heat, which helps regulate body temp
o Most of it is transferred to a molecule called ATP, which in turn, transfers the energy to the cells
o Food -> Small Molecules -> Breaking Chemical Bonds -> Energy -> Heat (some) OR ATP (most) -> Energy for Cells
Anabolism
Involves building larger and more complex chemical molecules (carbs, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids) from smaller subunits
o Anabolic chemical reactions requires energy input
o Energy needed for anabolic reactions is obtained from ATP molecules
o Small Subunits -> Energy/ATP -> Larger Complex Molecules -> Carbs, Proteins, Fats
Chemical Reactions
Involves the formation or breaking of chemical bonds
- There are 3 types of chemical reactions
1. Reactants are on the left of the ->
2. Products are on the right of the ->
3. Reversible Reactions can go in either direction under different circumstances. Many of the 3 are reversible
a) A + B <-> AB
b) Reversible reactions start on the side with greater amount of reactants.
Synthesis Reactions
Description
o 2 or more substances combine to form a different, more complex substance
o Energy is required – due to new bonds being formed
• Formula
• A + B -> AB
• Example
• Production of collagen-rich scar tissue in a healing wound
Decomposition Reactions
Description
o Complex substance breaks down into 2 or more simpler substances
o Energy is release – due to bonds being broken – forms energy in form of heat or stored for future use
• Formula
• AB -> A + B
• Example
• Breakdown of complex nutrient within a cell to release energy to another cellular function
Exchange Reactions
Description
o 2 molecules exchange atoms or groups of atoms, which form 2 new compounds
▪ Formula
▪ AB + CD -> AC + BD
Factors that Affect Reaction Rates
Temperature – heat speeds up molecular movement
• Concentration – more densely packed, increasing their rate of collision
• Catalysts – chemical substances that speed up the rate of reactions – enzymes
COMPOUNDS OF LIFE
- Most of the molecules of the body form organic compounds – containing carbon
- Inorganic Compounds are simple molecules w/o carbon – no less important for life
Inorganic Molecules
Essential to human life, including water, O2, CO2, acids, bases
Water
50% or more is your body weight
o Within or around cells AND is essential part of blood
