Biolo1100 Chapter 5 Energy and Life
  1. Energy exists in two states: potential   energy and kinetic   energy.

     
  2. Energy flows from the sun to producers   and consumers   in most ecosystems.

     
  3. Living systems transfer energy in chemical   reactions which follow the laws of thermodynamics  , or energy change.
     
    • First law of thermodynamics

       
    • Second law of thermodynamics


     
  4. Chemical reactions can be endergonic   or exergonic  , but may require a catalyst   to speed up the process.



     
  5. Proteins that act as catalysts are called enzymes   and act by binding reactants of a reaction to its active   site, lowering the activation   energy of the reaction.



     
  6. Factors that affect enzyme function include temperature   and pH  , and enzymes need an optimal range of these conditions.

     
  7. Adenosine   triphosphate (ATP) is the main energy currency of the cell.



     
    • Energy from ATP   is used to power many of the cell's activities.