Biology 1001A Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase, Hyperthermophile, Endergonic Reaction
5 Mar 2014
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Document Summary
Meaning of potential, kinetic, chemical energy, closed, open vs. isolated systems, first law of. Thermodynamics, second law of thermodynamics, entropy, spontaneous reaction, enthalpy (h), dh, exothermic, endothermic, gibbs free energy, exergonic, endergonic, dg, catalyst, rate of reaction, energy of activation (ea), transition state, kinetic stability, active site, catalytic cycle. Why life does not go against the second law - Cells are in open systems, allows for free exchange of energy with surroundings, this maintains order and low entropy. Releases heat and this increases disorder of surroundings. Without the energy, disorder would take over and cell would die. Life does not go against second law as while there is low entropy within the system, as a result of taking in energy, disorder of surroundings is increasing. Life needs to consume energy to maintain order and survive. If energy is not being consumed, disorder takes over within the system and life will end. Free energy is the energy available for use.
