BIOL 111 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Metabolic Pathway, Chemical Energy, Thermodynamics
31 Jul 2016
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Document Summary
Metabolism- totality of an organisms chemical reactions; subject tot he laws of physics. Metabolic pathway- begins with a speci c molecule, results in a certain product. Catabolic pathway- breaks down complex molecules into simpler compounds. Anabolic pathway- consume energy to build complicated molecules from simpler ones. Chemical energy- potential energy available for release in a chemical reaction. Thermodynamics- study of the energy transformations that occur in a collection of matter isolated system- unable to exchange energy with surroundings. 1st law of thermodynamics- energy can be transferred and transformed but not destroyed. 2nd law- energy transfer or transformation increases entropy of the universe entropy = measure of disorder. Spontaneous process- process that proceeds without requiring an input of energy. A process that decreases entropy - non spontaneous- required energy to be supplied. The entropy of a particular system such as an organisms may actually decrease as long as the entropy of the universe- the system plus its surroundings increases.
