Q1. What is your metabolism?

Background

Topic: Metabolism

This question is testing your understanding of what metabolism means in a biological context, including the chemical reactions and processes that occur within living organisms to maintain life.

Key Terms:

• Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within a living organism.

• Anabolism: Pathways that build complex molecules from simpler ones (require energy).

• Catabolism: Pathways that break down complex molecules into simpler ones (release energy).

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall that metabolism includes all the chemical reactions in a cell or organism.

2. Think about how these reactions can be divided into two main types: those that build up molecules and those that break them down.

3. Consider how energy is involved in these processes—some reactions require energy input, while others release energy.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!

Q2. Reactions can typically be described as either ___________ or ____________.

Background

Topic: Types of Metabolic Reactions

This question is testing your knowledge of the two main categories of metabolic reactions in biology.

Key Terms:

• Anabolic reactions: Build complex molecules from simpler ones (require energy).

• Catabolic reactions: Break down complex molecules into simpler ones (release energy).

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall the two main types of metabolic pathways in cells.

2. Think about which type is associated with building up molecules and which is associated with breaking them down.

3. Remember the energy changes associated with each type of reaction.

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Q3. How do living things create order without violating the 2nd law of thermodynamics?

Background

Topic: Thermodynamics in Biology

This question is testing your understanding of how biological systems maintain order and structure while still obeying the laws of physics, specifically the second law of thermodynamics.

Key Terms:

• Second Law of Thermodynamics: The total entropy (disorder) of an isolated system always increases over time.

• Entropy: A measure of disorder or randomness in a system.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall that the second law applies to closed systems, but living organisms are open systems.

2. Think about how organisms exchange energy and matter with their surroundings.

3. Consider how the creation of order inside the organism is balanced by increased disorder (entropy) in the environment.

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Q4. A reaction with a -ΔG is spontaneous / nonspontaneous and exergonic / endergonic

Background

Topic: Free Energy and Spontaneity

This question is testing your understanding of Gibbs free energy (ΔG) and how it relates to whether a reaction is spontaneous and whether it releases or requires energy.

Key Terms and Formulas:

• Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG): A measure of the amount of usable energy in a system.

• Exergonic Reaction: Releases energy (ΔG < 0).

• Endergonic Reaction: Requires energy input (ΔG > 0).

• Spontaneous Reaction: Occurs without input of energy (ΔG < 0).

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall the definition of ΔG and what a negative value indicates.

2. Think about the relationship between ΔG and spontaneity.

3. Consider whether the reaction releases or requires energy based on the sign of ΔG.

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Q5. What is used as an immediate source of energy in cells?

Background

Topic: Cellular Energy

This question is testing your knowledge of the molecule that cells use directly to power most of their work.

Key Terms:

• ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): The primary energy currency of the cell.

Step-by-Step Guidance

1. Recall which molecule is hydrolyzed to release energy for cellular processes.

2. Think about how this molecule is regenerated during cellular respiration.

Try solving on your own before revealing the answer!