1. Metabolism Notes

2. Metabolism  Metabolism is such a big word to explain a simple idea. We all need energy to survive. Whether we are plants, animals, or bacteria, we all need energy.  Energy doesn't just float around in a form we can use to survive. We need to eat (mainly sugars) and digest food. That process of chemical digestion and its related reactions is called metabolism.  Metabolism is the total of all the chemical reactions an organism needs to survive.

3. Laws of Thermodynamics:  First law—energy can be converted from one form to another, but it cannot be created nor destroyed.  Second law—energy cannot be converted without the loss of usable energy.

4. What are chemical reactions?  Chemical reactions occur when two or more molecules interact and the molecules change. Bonds between atoms are broken, or made to form new molecules.

5. There are two main types of chemical reactions in biochemistry: Anabolic and Catabolic  Anabolic Reactions: These are synthesis reactions, or the “building up” of molecules. Example:  Photosynthesis  When plants use carbon dioxide, water, and light energy to build glucose.

6. CHEMICAL EQUATION FOR PHOTOSYNTHESIS  YOU WILL BE EXPECTED TO MEMORIZE THIS EQUATION  Anabolic reactions are called “endergonic” meaning they use/require an input of energy.

7. There are two main types of chemical reactions in biochemistry: Anabolic and Catabolic  Catabolic reactions: These are lysis reactions, or the “break down” of molecules. Example:  Cellular Respiration  When cells break down sugar (glucose) to use the energy stored in the molecule!

8. CHEMICAL REACTION FOR CELLULAR RESPIRATION  YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO MEMORIZE THIS REACTION!  Catabolic Reactions are called “exergonic” because they release energy.

9. ATP: The Unit of Cellular Energy  ATP releases energy when the bond between the second and third phosphate groups is broken, forming a molecule called adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and a free phosphate group