SBI4U1: Chapter Questions

ASSIGN 2.1 - Metabolism & Energy /30 marks

1. Define the term energy, and distinguish between kinetic energy and potential energy. (3 marks)
Energy is the capacity to do work or produce change. It exists in various forms and can be
transformed from one form to another but cannot be created or destroyed.
Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion, this is the energy being used up.
Potential energy is the stored energy of an object due to its position or state. It has the
potential to do work in the future. The most common form is gravitational potential energy.

2. Describe the relationship among the following terms: anabolic reactions, catabolic reactions,
endergonic reactions, exergonic reactions. (4 marks)
Anabolic reactions are those that build complex molecules from simpler ones, requiring an
input of energy. These processes are fundamental for growth, repair, and the synthesis of
biomolecules. They are generally endergonic due to absorption of energy.
Catabolic reactions break down complex molecules into simpler, releasing energy in the
process. These reactions are important for metabolism and energy production within cells. They are
considered exergonic reactions due to releasing energy.
Endergonic reactions require energy input to proceed. Includes most anabolic reactions where
energy is used to create complex structures. The products have higher energy than the reactants,
which indicates energy has been absorbed.
Exergonic reactions release energy as they happen. They break down molecules and release
energy that can be harnessed for cellular processes. The products have lower energy than the
reactants.
In summary, anabolic reactions and catabolic reactions represent two sides of metabolism;
anabolism builds up and requires energy (endergonic) while catabolism breaks down and releases
energy (exergonic). Together, they facilitate the flow of energy and matter within biological systems,
maintaining the balance necessary for life.

3. State and explain the first law of thermodynamics and the second law of thermodynamics. Use
examples in your explanations. (4 marks)
The first law of thermodynamics, also known as the law of energy conservation, asserts that
energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. In a closed system, the
total energy remains constant, although it can change forms, such as when the chemical energy in fuel is
converted into kinetic energy in a car engine, propelling the vehicle while also generating heat that
evaporates into the surroundings.
The second law of thermodynamics states that in any energy transfer or transformation, the
total entropy of a closed system will either increase or remain the same, it never decreases. For example, a
sandcastle can fall apart, but cannot reconstruct itself.

4. What is a metabolic pathway, and why are metabolic pathways advantageous to a cell? (2 marks)
A metabolic pathway is a series of interconnected biochemical reactions that occur within a
cell, leading to the transformation of a specific substrate into a final product through a sequence of
enzymatic steps. Each step in the pathway is usually catalyzed by a specific enzyme, which facilitates
the conversion of substrates into products more accurately and a lower energy cost.
SBI4U1: Chapter Questions
Metabolic pathways provide several advantages to a cell. First, they allow for the regulation of
biochemical reactions, enabling the cell to respond to changes in its environment or internal
conditions. This regulation is important for maintaining homeostasis and ensuring that metabolic
processes occur in a coordinated manner.
Second, metabolic pathways efficiently use resources by breaking down complex molecules
into simpler ones or by synthesizing new compounds in a stepwise manner, cells can conserve energy
and minimize waste.
Third, metabolic pathways enable the cell to harness energy from many sources, such as
carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This allows for flexibility in energy production.
Overall, metabolic pathways contribute to the overall complexity and adaptability of cellular
metabolism, enabling cells to perform a wide range of functions necessary for growth, reproduction
and survival.

5. What is a spontaneous reaction? How can you predict if a chemical reaction is spontaneous? (2
marks)
A spontaneous reaction is a chemical process that occurs naturally under specific conditions
without the need for external energy input. These reactions usually lead to an increase in the overall
entropy of the system and its surroundings.
To predict if a chemical reaction is spontaneous, analyze the change in Gibbs free energy (△G).
A reaction is considered spontaneous if △G is negative. This involves two main factors; change in
enthalpy (△H), which represents the heat content of the system, and the change in entropy(△S),
which measures the level of disorder. If a reaction releases energy(resulting in a -△H) or results in an
increase in entropy (resulting in a +△S) , it is more likely to be spontaneous.

6. Draw a diagram of a molecule of ATP. Label the different groups that make up this molecule.
(4 marks)
** to draw, go to the “insert” tab and choose Drawing → New
SBI4U1: Chapter Questions

7. Distinguish between oxidation and reduction reactions. Why are these reactions linked? (3 marks)
Oxidation refers to the process in which a substance loses electrons, resulting in an increase in
the oxidation state of the element. Reduction is the process in which a substance gains electrons,
resulting in a decrease in its oxidation state.
Oxidation and reduction reactions are linked through the concept of reduction-oxidation
reactions. These reactions occur simultaneously because the loss of electrons by one
substance(oxidation) must be matched by the gain of electrons by another (reduction), ensuring that
the overall charge is balanced and that energy transfer occurs within the reaction.
For example, in the reaction where iron reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide, iron undergoes
oxidation by losing electrons, while oxygen is reduced by gaining electrons.
The electron transfer between oxidation and reduction reactions is important for energy
production.
8. Why is the recycling of electron carriers and ATP important for the cell? (2 marks)
The recycling of electron carriers and ATP is important for cellular function and energy
metabolism. Electron carriers play a crucial role in transferring electrons during metabolic processes
like cellular respiration, facilitating movement of electrons through the electron transport chain, which
leads to ATP production. By continuously recycling these carriers, the cell ensures a steady supply of
energy, as they can be reused multiple times across various metabolic pathways. ATP serves as the
primary currency of the cell, providing the necessary energy for diverse biochemical reactions. The
regeneration of ATP through processes like oxidative phosphorylation and substrate-level
phosphorylation is important for maintaining energy levels, enabling the cell to support its functions
SBI4U1: Chapter Questions
efficiently. This recycling is important for maintaining cellular homeostasis, allowing the cell to
balance energy production with consumption and adapt to changes in energy demand or nutrient
availability.
In summary, the dynamic recycling of electron carriers and ATP is important for efficient energy
utilization and the proper functioning of cellular processes.

9. An insecticide blocks a particular enzyme needed to perform a catabolic reaction. Why would such
a substance be lethal in sufficient doses? (2 marks)
An insecticide that blocks a particular enzyme involved in a catabolic reaction can be lethal in
sufficient doses due to its critical role in energy production and metabolic balance. Catabolic processes
break down complex molecules to release energy, which is important for cellular functions. When this
enzyme is blocked, the insect’s ability to produce energy is compromised, leading to energy reduction
and eventually cell death. The disruption of metabolic pathways can result in the accumulation of toxic
substrates and reactive byproducts, causing oxidative stress and cellular damage.
In summary, the inhibition of a key enzyme in catabolic reactions can have cascading effects on
energy production, metabolic balance, detoxification and overall cellular health.

10. Why do biologists prefer to use the terms endergonic and exergonic rather than endothermic and
exothermic? (2 marks)
Biologists prefer the terms endergonic and exergonic rather than endothermic and exothermic
because these terms specifically refer to the changes in Gibbs free energy during biochemical
reactions. Endergonic reactions require an input of energy and are not spontaneous, while an
exergonic reaction releases energy and is spontaneous. This distinction allows biologists to assess
whether reactions can occur naturally under cellular conditions. Endothermic and exothermic reactions
relate only to heat changes and do not necessarily indicate whether a reaction can occur naturally
under cellular conditions.
By focusing on free energy changes, biologists can better assess the energy dynamics that
drive cellular functions, providing a clear understanding of metabolism and thermodynamics in living
systems.

11. The graph below illustrates an exergonic reaction. Which of the molecules, A or B, or represent
ADP before it is phosphorylated to make ATP? Explain your
reasoning. (2 marks)
Molecule A represents ADP before it is phosphorylated.
This is because molecule A is positioned at a higher energy
level compared to molecule B. The higher energy state of molecule A
indicates that it is indeed ADP prior to receiving the phosphate group.