Metabolism: Cellular Energetics
How do living systems adhere to the constraints of the universe?
How can a living system maintain order in a universe of increasing entropy?
Theory - 2 Relevant Laws:
First Law – Matter and energy
Organisms are
Work:
Kinetic and Potential Energy:
Gibbs Free Energy: a measurement of
- At the cellular level
Exergonic Reactions
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Endergonic Reactions
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Biological systems use
Second Law – Any close system will
- Portions of the universe
- Energy
Life is Highly Ordered
- Organisms use the energy
Life Requires Energy Input
Open and Closed Systems
- Closed
Closed systems
They reach
- Open
Open systems will not reach
There is no inherent limit to the
Cellular Energy Theory
- The short
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- The bonds between
- Much more free energy
Much of the work done by cellular proteins
Metabolism – refers to the sum total of
- Energy from
- ATP
Reaction Coupling – refers to
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The Reaction Profile
- All reactions require an
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Catalysts
- Any substance that increases
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Make sure you can …
… explain how living systems adhere to the first and second laws of thermodynamics.… explain how living systems can increase in order even though the universe is moving towards a state of maximum entropy.… compare exergonic and endergonic reactions.… compare open and closed systems.… explain how ATP allows for cellular work.… explain the effect of a catalyst on a reaction profile.