Metabolic Pathways and Energy Transformation in living systems involve complex chemical reactions that maintain life through carefully regulated processes. The interplay between Gibbs Free Energy equation for spontaneous reactions and the role of enzymes in metabolism and reaction rates forms the foundation of cellular energetics.
- Metabolism encompasses both anabolic (building) and catabolic (breaking down) pathways
- Thermodynamic principles govern energy transformations in biological systems
- ATP serves as the universal energy currency in cells
- Enzymes are crucial catalysts that lower activation energy and control metabolic processes
- Regulatory mechanisms ensure precise control of metabolic pathways
