By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Define “energy”
Explain the difference between kinetic and potential energy
Discuss the concepts of free energy and activation energy
Describe endergonic and exergonic reactions
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Discuss the concept of entropy
Explain the first and second laws of thermodynamics
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Explain the significance of photosynthesis to other living organisms
Describe the main structures involved in photosynthesis
Identify the substrates and products of photosynthesis
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Explain how plants absorb energy from sunlight
Describe short and long wavelengths of light
Describe how and where photosynthesis takes place within a plant
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Describe the Calvin cycle
Define carbon fixation
Explain how photosynthesis works in the energy cycle of all living organisms
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Understand how electrochemical gradients affect ions
Distinguish between primary active transport and secondary active transport
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Describe endocytosis, including phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis
Understand the process of exocytosis
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Understand the cell membrane fluid mosaic model
Describe phospholipid, protein, and carbohydrate functions in membranes
Discuss membrane fluidity
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Explain why and how passive transport occurs
Understand the osmosis and diffusion processes
Define tonicity and its relevance to passive transport
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Discuss the role of carbohydrates in cells and in the extracellular materials of animals and plants
Explain carbohydrate classifications
List common monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Describe the four major types of lipids
Explain the role of fats in storing energy
Differentiate between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids
Describe phospholipids and their role in cells
Define the basic structure of a steroid and some steroid functions
Explain how cholesterol helps maintain the plasma membrane's fluid nature
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Describe nucleic acids' structure and define the two types of nucleic acids
Explain DNA's structure and role
Explain RNA's structure and roles
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Describe the functions proteins perform in the cell and in tissues
Discuss the relationship between amino acids and proteins
Explain the four levels of protein organization
Describe the ways in which protein shape and function are linked
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Understand macromolecule synthesis
Explain dehydration (or condensation) and hydrolysis reactions
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Define matter and elements
Describe the interrelationship between protons, neutrons, and electrons
Compare the ways in which electrons can be donated or shared between atoms
Explain the ways in which naturally occurring elements combine to create molecules, cells, tissues, organ systems, and organisms
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
Explain why carbon is important for life
Describe the role of functional groups in biological molecules
