Question 1

Which statement best describes the relationship between the laws of thermodynamics and biological processes?

Accepted Answer

Biological processes obey the laws of thermodynamics; organisms create local order by recycling energy, but overall increase the entropy of the universe.

Question 2

What is the main difference between catabolic and anabolic pathways in metabolism?

Accepted Answer

Catabolic pathways break down complex molecules and release energy, while anabolic pathways build complex molecules and require energy.

Question 3

Which of the following best illustrates the first law of thermodynamics in a biological context?

Accepted Answer

Plants transform light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored in organic molecules.

Question 4

According to the second law of thermodynamics, what happens during energy transformations in living organisms?

Accepted Answer

Energy transformations generate waste heat, increasing the entropy of the universe.

Question 5

Which equation correctly represents the change in free energy ($$\Delta G) $$for a chemical reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$\Delta G = G_{final\ state} - G_{starting\ state}$$

Question 6

A reaction with $$\Delta G \u003c 0 is $$described as:

Accepted Answer

Exergonic and spontaneous

Question 7

Which of the following is an example of an exergonic reaction in living cells?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis of ATP to ADP and inorganic phosphate

Question 8

Why do living organisms not violate the laws of thermodynamics when they create complex structures?

Accepted Answer

Because they create local order while increasing the overall entropy of the universe through energy transformations.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the role of ATP in cellular metabolism?

Accepted Answer

ATP couples exergonic and endergonic reactions, allowing energy released from one to power the other.

Question 10

Which process is an example of catabolism?

Accepted Answer

Breakdown of glucose during cellular respiration

Question 11

If a cell needs to perform mechanical work, such as moving a motor protein, which molecule is most directly involved?

Accepted Answer

ATP

Question 12

Which of the following statements about energy in food is correct?

Accepted Answer

Energy in food is chemical potential energy stored in molecular bonds.

Question 13

Which of the following is true about the energy profile of an exergonic reaction?

Accepted Answer

The reaction releases energy and is spontaneous.

Question 14

What is the role of hydrolysis in catabolic pathways?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis breaks down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy.

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the principle of conservation of energy in biological systems?

Accepted Answer

Energy is transformed from one form to another, but the total amount remains constant.

Question 16

Which equation represents the hydrolysis of ATP?

Accepted Answer

$$ATP + H_2O \rightarrow ADP + P_i + energy$$

Question 17

A cell is synthesizing a macromolecule from smaller subunits. Which type of metabolic pathway is this?

Accepted Answer

Anabolic pathway

Question 18

Which of the following is a consequence of the second law of thermodynamics for ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Energy is lost as heat at each trophic level, resulting in less energy available to higher levels.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a function of ATP in cells?

Accepted Answer

Storing genetic information

Question 20

Which of the following best explains why glucose is considered high in chemical energy?

Accepted Answer

Glucose has many covalent bonds that store potential energy, which can be released during cellular respiration.

Cellular Foundations of Life: Metabolism and Energy Transformations

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