Big Idea #2

Biological Systems utilize Free Energy and Molecular Building Blocks to grow, to reproduce and to maintain dynamic homeostasis

Think About It
1. What forms of Energy are used by the cell? 2. How is energy used to drive biological processes within cells? 3. What might happen if insufficient energy is available for cells to function?

Cells and the Flow of Energy

Learning Goals
1. Compare potential and kinetic energy 2. Describe the first and second laws of thermodynamics 3. Examine how organization and structure of living things is related to heat and entropy.

Energy

The ability to do work (i.e. move) 2 general types:

Potential energy- stored energy Kinetic energy moving energy

Potential Energy
Stored energy whose capacity to accomplish work is not being used at the moment. Gravitational
Elastic Nuclear Electrical (separation of charges) Chemical (energy stored in chemical bonds)

Chemical Potential Energy

Kinetic Energy
Moving objects Radiation (movement of light particles/waves) Thermal (heat, movement of particles Electrical (movement of electrons)

Chemical Energy
ENERGY: ENERGY STORED IN THE ____________________OF MATTER AND CAN BE RELEASED BY WAY OF CHEMICAL REACTION. Chemical potential energy can be stored in unlit matches, batteries, food, and gasoline.

Think About It
1. In your own words, compare potential and kinetic energy. 2. Provide an example of each.

1st Law of Thermodynamics

Energy is never created or destroyed Energy is, however, transformed from one form to another i.e. winds motion is converted to electricity, which is converted to heat and light energy in a light bulb

2nd Law of Thermodynamics

Energy cannot be changed from one form to another without a loss of usable energy

2nd Law of Thermodynamics

The entropy of an isolated system is always increasing Entropy is the amount of energy in an unusable form usually heat Systems are always losing usable forms of energy

What This Means

In every conversion of energy- a lot of energy is lost as heat I.e. when you burn gas in your car- you lose a lot of energy as heat

Put Another Way

Energy will be spread from areas of high energy to low energy
I.e. heat will transfer from a hot pan to the air around it A moving object will lose its kinetic energy to other objects and heat Chemicals with a lot of potential energy tend to explode releasing heat and movement of other objects

Why Do Biologists Care About This Physics Stuff?

Because living things obey these laws! Living things are always losing energy to their surroundings

We Require an Energy Input

For living things to remain whole they must have an energy input I.e. organisms must get energy from sun, deep thermal vents or eating

Think about it.

1. In your own words describe the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Provide an example. 2. Where does glucose store its potential energy? 3. How does the second law of entropy relate to a messy room?