NVCC BIO 101 Exam 2 with Complete Solutions

NVCC BIO 101 Exam 2 with Complete Solutions Metabolism the totality of an organism's chemical reactions Metabolic pathway Begins with a specific molecule, which is then altered in a series of defined steps, resulting in a certain product. catabolic pathway release energy by breaking down complex molecules into simpler compounds anabolic pathways consume energy to build complex molecules from simpler ones - proteins are synthesized from simpler molecules called amino acids Bioenergetics the study of how energy flows through living organisms Energy the capacity to cause change kinetic energy energy of motion thermal energy kinetic energy associated with the random movement of atoms or molecules heat thermal energy in transfer from one object to another potential energy energy that matter possesses because of its location or structure chemical energy potential energy available for release in a chemical reaction Thermodynamics The study of energy transformations that occur in a collection of matter. first law of thermodynamics Energy can be transferred and transformed, but it cannot be created or destroyed - also called the principle of conservation of energy second law of thermodynamics Every energy transfer or transformation increases the entropy of the universe. Entropy - a measure of molecular disorder, or randomness - scientists use the term "disorder" to describe how dispersed energy is in a system and how many energy levels are present Chemical reactions - Endergonic ("energy in") - Exergonic ("energy out")