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Without the energy that filters from the sun throughout photosynthetic pathways and ultimately into each cell of the human body, no essential cellular functions would proceed. But how exactly does this energy reach the cells where it is needed and how is it stored for rapid access? These Web sites address these issues.

1) What Is Energy?

Thermodynamics Basics: Review the Laws of Thermodynamics, and the concepts of kinetic and potential energy at this site.

Energy Interconversions: The relationship between kinetic and potential energy is illustrated on this single-page graphic of energy interconversions.

Potential and Kinetic Energy: Can the physics of energy explain the fun of a roller coaster? This site investigates the potential and kinetic energy of a roller coaster at an amusement park.

2) How Does Energy Flow in Chemical Reactions?

Endergonic and Exergonic Reactions: Excellent coverage of endergonic and exergonic reactions and the importance of enzymes are provided in this on-line Biology Book tutorial.

Biological Energy: Be “in a class by yourself” when you visit this site, Science @ a Distance, to study biological energy.

Energy, Enzymes, and Catalysis: Work through this tutorial from The University of Arizona Biology Project and quiz yourself on energy, enzymes and catalysis!.

3) How Is Cellular Energy Carried Between Coupled Reactions?

ATP and ADP: One of ATP’s major roles is to transfer energy in the cell. This tutorial will help you gain a better understanding of this process.

ATP Structure and Function: This site has the structure of ATP and links to descriptions of cellular processes that require or generate ATP.

ATP: ATP is like a rechargeable battery. Enjoy this animation as you study how energy is transferred from a food molecule to a muscle cell.

4) How Do Cells Control Their Metabolic Reactions?

Activation Energy: An explanation of activation energy and an example of how the enzyme catalase works is found at this site.

Enzymes: "Click your way through the wonderful world of enzymes" at this site. Here you will find background about enzymes and their application in everyday life.

Body Temperature: If human body temperature is 98.6^oF, why aren't we the most comfortable in that environment? This site explains how heat transfer provides the answer.

What the Heck is an Enzyme?

Enjoy this humorous, but informative, description of enzymes by John Brown.

Enzyme Inhibitors: Learn more about how enzyme inhibitors work at this site. There also are links to how penicillin and Sarin nerve gas work as enzyme inhibitors.

Chapter 6: Energy Flow in the Life of a Cell

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