Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

7. Energy and Metabolism

Laws of Thermodynamics

General Biology

7. Energy and Metabolism

Laws of Thermodynamics

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1:59 minutes

Problem 10

Textbook Question

Relate the laws of thermodynamics to living organisms.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the First Law of Thermodynamics, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. In biological systems, this means that the energy organisms take in from the environment (e.g., through sunlight in plants or food in animals) is converted into usable chemical energy, which is then used for biological processes such as growth, reproduction, and maintenance.

Examine the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which states that every energy transfer or transformation increases the entropy (disorder) of the universe. For living organisms, this implies that while they can maintain or decrease internal entropy by organizing molecules into complex structures (like proteins and DNA), the overall entropy of the surroundings increases as a result of metabolic processes, such as the release of heat and waste products.

Apply these laws to metabolic processes. For example, during cellular respiration, glucose is broken down and the energy released is used to form ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of cells. This process is consistent with the first law as energy is conserved and transformed. According to the second law, the breakdown of glucose increases the universe's total entropy.

Consider how organisms maintain homeostasis in light of these laws. Homeostasis involves biological systems maintaining internal stability (low entropy) despite changes in external conditions. This is achieved through constant energy transformations, which are governed by the laws of thermodynamics.

Reflect on the evolutionary implications of thermodynamics. Organisms that are more efficient at transforming energy and managing entropy are likely to have a survival advantage, influencing evolutionary pathways and the development of complex life forms.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

First Law of Thermodynamics

The First Law of Thermodynamics, also known as the law of energy conservation, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. In living organisms, this principle is evident as they convert energy from food into usable forms, such as ATP, to power cellular processes.

Second Law of Thermodynamics

The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that in any energy transfer, the total entropy of a closed system will always increase over time. For living organisms, this means that while they maintain order and complexity, they must constantly take in energy from their environment to counteract the natural tendency toward disorder.

Metabolism

Metabolism encompasses all the biochemical reactions that occur within living organisms to maintain life. It includes catabolic pathways that break down molecules to release energy and anabolic pathways that use energy to build cellular components, illustrating how organisms adhere to the laws of thermodynamics by transforming energy to sustain their biological functions.

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