Encyclopedia of Physical Science and Technology - Biochemistry By Robert A. Meyers
File Type : PDF
Language : English
Description
BIOENERGETICS, an amalgamation of the term biological energetics, is the branch of biology and biochemistry that is concerned with how organisms extract energy from their environment and with how energy is used to fuel the myriad of life’s endergonic processes. Organisms may be usefully divided into two broad groups with respect to how they satisfy their need for energy. Autotrophic organisms convert energy from nonorganic sources such as light or from the oxidation of inorganic molecules to chemical energy. As heterotrophic organisms, animals must ingest and break down complex organic molecules to provide the energy for life. Interconversions of forms of energy are commonplace in the biological world. In photosynthesis, the electromagnetic energy of light is converted to chemical energy, largely in the form of carbohydrates, with high overall efficiency. The energy of light is used to drive oxidation-reduction reactions that could not take place in the dark. Light energy also powers the generation of a proton electrochemical potential across the green photosynthetic membrane.
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