Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

In Unit 3, students build on knowledge gained in Unit 2 about the structure and function of cells, focusing on cellular energetics. Living systems are complex in their organization and require constant energy input. This unit will provide students with the knowledge necessary to master the concepts of energy capture and use. Students work through enzyme structure and function, learning the ways in which the environment plays a role in how enzymes perform their function(s). Students gain a deeper understanding of the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, knowledge they will use in Unit 6 while studying how cells use energy to fuel life processes. ^{(AP® Biology CED)}

3.1: Enzyme Structure

Topics: How structure affects function, active site, substrate

3.2: Enzyme Catalysis

Topics: How enzymes catalzye reactions

3.3: Environmental Impacts on Enzyme Function

Topics: Effects of temperature and pH on enzymes, how structure affects function, denaturation, rate of catalysis, inhibitors, allosteric interactions

3.4: Cellular Energy

Topics: How cells gain energy, 2nd Law of Thermodynamics, spontaneous and non-spontaneous reactions, coupling reactions, anabolic vs. catabolic, exergonic vs. endergonic

3.5: Photosynthesis

Topics: Chloroplasts, light dependent reactions, photosystems 1 and 2, electron transport channel, proton gradient, calvin cycle, ATP, NADPH

3.6: Cellular Respiration

Topics: Catalysis use to form ATP, proton gradient, oxidative phosphorylation of ATP, glycolysis, Krebs cycle, ETC, fermentation

3.7: Fitness

Topics: How cellular components adapt to their environment