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Thermodynamics of Living Systems
Learning objectives:
1) To assemble prior knowledge in order to construct flow diagrams of energy flow
through biological systems;
2) To identify the fundamental rules governing biological energy flow;
3) To translate those rules into the formalism of thermodynamics;
4) To apply thermodynamics equations for describing biological processes in class
discussions and on group homework
1. Use this worksheet to guide your group toward constructing two flow
charts for characterizing energy flow through the biological world.
A. Place the following terms in the proper places in this flow chart depicting the
photosynthesis/respiration cycle. A term may be used several times.
ATP aerobic bacteria/mitochondria
heat
H2O
light
CO2
cyanobacteria/chloroplasts
glucose
O2,
If necessary, draw consensus flow chart from class discussion on the back of this page
B. Place the following terms in the proper places in this flow chart depicting
the ability of a typical eukaryotic cell to the use of ATP to perform various
types of biological work.
Terms
Heat (several times)
phosphorylated metabolites
electrical work
structural work
phosphorylated proteins
osmotic work
ATP
transport work
metabolic work
mechanical work
Explanations (do not write onto chart)
high-energy intermediates
membrane potentials, action potentials
polymerization – e.g., chitin, cellulose
often resulting in conformational changes
hydroregulation, transport, excretion
nutrient uptake, excretion
synthesis – e.g., amino acids, lipids, sugars
motor proteins – e.g., myosin, dynein
Group flow chart - Common types of biological work
If necessary, draw consensus flow chart from class discussion on the back of this page
2. Group brainstorming for characterizing biological energy flow.
Use your own terms to describe the general features and operating rules for biological
energy flow through the photosynthesis/respiration cycle, during cellular work, and into
the environment.
Group list:
Consensus list:
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT: The homework assignment for this GAE is available from
GAE assignment link in the course menu in the 207 website. DUE FRIDAY 2/4.