Chapter 2 Notes: Energy, Life, and the Biosphere

 

Bioenergetics: the study of energy flow and energy transformation among living systems.

 

What are some characteristics of living organisms?

 

1.

 

2.

 

3.

 

4.

 

5.

 

6.

 

7.

 

8.

 

9.

 

Energy & Nutrients

 

Energy:

 

 

Free energy:

 

 

Heat energy:

 

 

Living cells need a constant source of free energy for chemical work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How do organisms obtain energy and nutrients?

 

Heterotrophs:

 

 

 

            Ex.

 

 

Autotrophs:

 

 

 

            Ex.

 

 

            Photoautotrophs:

 

 

            Chemoautotrophs:

 

 

What is the relationship between heterotrophs and autotrophs?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy & Ecosystems

 

Organisms are linked because of their need of energy and nutrients. Energy and nutrients flow from the environment through the producers → consumers →  decomposers

 

Producers:

 

 

 

Consumers:

 

 

 

Decomposers:

 

 

 

The abiotic (nonliving factors such as water and minerals) and the biotic factors (living) make up an ECOSYSTEM (ex. Forest, pond, ocean).  Within an ecosystem are habitats where organisms live (ex. Bottom of the ocean).  All ecosystems together comprise the BIOSPHERE.

 

 

 

Energy Conversions

 

Energy is the key to maintaining organisms in all living systems.

 

1st Law of Thermodynamics:

 

 

 

 

2nd Law of Thermodynamics:

 

 

 

 

 

Enzymes & Energy

 

Cells need a way to break and form bonds in order to release energy and to perform work.  Enzymes (catalysts) lower activation energy to make a reaction go.

 

Active site:

 

 

Substrate:

 

 

 

 

Chemical Reactions in Organisms

 

Metabolism: consists of all the chemical activities and changes that take place in a cell or organism.

 

2 types: synthesis (anabolism) Òbuild up reactionsÓ

              decomposition (catabolism) Òbreak downÓ

 

Anabolism: examples-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catabolism: examples-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy Transfer & ATP

 

ATP: (adenosine triphosphate) a molecule that connects many energy conversion reactions during metabolism; Òenergy currencyÓ of living cells.

-       energy is stored in the bonds of the molecule and can be transferred when bonds break and other form during a reaction

 

 

 

Digestion

Why do we eat?

-       food provides organisms with a source of raw materials and energy (organic and inorganic compounds) required for growth and maintenance.  Heterotrophs need to break down food (digestion) in order to absorb and then use the raw materials and energy present in food.

 

Physical and Chemical Digestion:

 

 

 

Human Digestion

 

Ingestion: taking food into the digestive tractÉ

 

Mouth → Pharynx → Exophagus (1-10 sec)→ Stomach (3 hours) → Small intestine (3-6 hours) → Large intestine (11-16 hours) → Rectum (up to 48 hours)

 

Nutrients: needed for growth and maintenance of the body. 

 

Examples of nutrients:

 

Essential vs. Nonessential nutrients

 

Kilocalories (kcal): measurement of amount of energy released from a nutrient. (lipids: 9 kcal/g; carbs and proteins: 4 kcal/g)