Cellular Energetics

Elijah Ramirez
8 min read
Listen to this study note
Study Guide Overview
This study guide covers cellular energetics, focusing on photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and enzyme function. Key concepts include: ATP, enzyme structure and activity, energy flow in biological systems, light-dependent and light-independent reactions, glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, the electron transport chain, and variations' impact on fitness. It also includes practice questions and exam tips.
#AP Biology: Cellular Energetics - Your Night-Before Review π
Hey! Let's make sure you're feeling super confident about cellular energy. This guide is designed to be quick, clear, and exactly what you need tonight. Let's dive in!
#Unit 3: Energy and Metabolism
# 3.0 Introduction: Why Cells Need Energy
- Cellular energetics is all about how cells make, move, and use energy. Think of it as the cell's power grid! π‘
- Key processes: Cellular respiration (making ATP by breaking down glucose) and photosynthesis (making glucose using sunlight).
- ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the cell's main energy currency. Everything we'll talk about is ultimately about making or using ATP.
Remember: ATP is like the cell's rechargeable battery! π
# 3.1-3.3: Enzymes: The Cell's Catalysts
-
Enzymes are protein catalysts that speed up reactions. They're essential for life! π
-
Active site: The specific spot on an enzyme where the substrate (reactant) binds. Think of it like a lock and key. π
-
Enzyme-substrate complex: When the substrate binds to the enzyme's active site.
-
Denaturation: When an enzyme loses its shape and function due to factors like temperature or pH.
Caption: How enzymes work: substrate binding to the active site and product release.
- Environmental Factors: Temperature and pH affect enzyme activity. Each enzyme has an optimal range. π‘οΈ
- Substrate and Product Concentration: Too little substrate = slow reaction; too much product = inhibition.
- Inhibitors:
- Competitive: Bind to the active site, blocking the substrate.
- Noncompetitive: Bind to an allosteric site, changing the enzyme's shape.
Think of enzymes as tiny workers in a factory, each with a specific job. If the factory gets too hot or too cold (temperature changes), or if the wrong chemicals are added (pH changes), the workers can't do their jobs properly.
# 3.4: Energy and Life
- Living systems need a constant energy input to maintain order. π
- Entropy: The measure of disorder, which always increases in a closed system.
- Energy-releasing processes (like metabolism...

How are we doing?
Give us your feedback and let us know how we can improve