Energy conversion in the body

Capacity for work (W)

Joules (J)

Energy required to heat 1g of water by 1 degree C

Rate which work is performed or energy is transmitted

Watt (W)

• Energy cannot be created nor can it be destroyed - transferred from one form to another

• Ex. body transforms energy in food into heat

• ‘quality’ changes • energy diluted • Energy can lose its abilities

Bound in a specific form

• Harnessing of potential energy - Biosynthesis results from harnessing of potential energy

energy releasing process

Energy conserving process (absorbs energy)

• Muscle contraction - Cell division

Synthesis of molecules - i.e. fat

• Diffusion - Active transport (sodium/potassium pump)

• Transport of charged particles - Action potentials in nerves and muscles

• PH • Temperature • Availability of substrates

• Catabolize complex organic molecules

Adding H+ and OH

Digestion

reverse of hydrolysis - peptide bonds

Loss of electrons

Gain of electrons

Fuels for the body