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Related Concept Videos

Cell Potential and Free Energy02:58

Cell Potential and Free Energy

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Thermodynamics of a Redox Reaction
Thermodynamics is the branch of physics dealing with the relationship between heat and other forms of energy. In an electrochemical cell, chemical energy is converted into electrical energy.
Thus, a link can be predicted between cell potential, free energy change, and the equilibrium constant for the reaction. Cell potential can also be measured as the oxidant or the reducing strength, and similar acid-base strength measures are reflected in equilibrium...
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Free energy—abbreviated as G for the scientist Gibbs who discovered it—is a measurement of useful energy that can be extracted from a reaction to do work. It is the energy in a chemical reaction that is available after entropy is accounted for. Reactions that take in energy are considered endergonic and reactions that release energy are exergonic. Plants carry out endergonic reactions by taking in sunlight and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. Animals, in turn, break...
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What is Energy?04:10

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The universe is composed of matter in different forms, and all forms of matter contain energy.  The different forms of energy on Earth originate from the Sun — the ultimate energy source. Plants capture light energy from the Sun, and, via the process of photosynthesis, convert it into chemical energy. This stored energy from plants can be harnessed in many ways. For example, eating plant products as food provides energy for our body to function, and burning wood or coal (fossilized...
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Extraction: Partition and Distribution Coefficients01:14

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The distribution law or Nernst's distribution law is the law that governs the distribution of a solute between two immiscible solvents. This law, also known as the partition law, states that if a solute is added to the mixture of two immiscible solvents at a constant temperature, the solute is distributed between the two solvents in such a way that the ratio of solute concentrations in the solvents remains constant at equilibrium.
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Potential Energy00:52

Potential Energy

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The energy stored by a structure and location of matter in space is called potential energy. For instance, raising a kettlebell changes its spatial location and increases its potential energy. Similarly, a stretched rubber band contains potential energy which, under certain conditions, can be converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy.
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Activation energy is the minimum amount of energy necessary for a chemical reaction to move forward. The higher the activation energy, the slower the rate of the reaction. However, adding heat to the reaction will increase the rate, since it causes molecules to move faster and increase the likelihood that molecules will collide. The collision and breaking of bonds represents the uphill phase of a reaction and generates the transition state. The transition state is an unstable high-energy state...
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Determination of Plasma Membrane Partitioning for Peripherally-associated Proteins
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Energy partitioning in the cell cortex.

Sheng Chen1,2, Daniel S Seara2,3,4, Ani Michaud5,6

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.

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This summary is machine-generated.

Cells partition energy between chemical and mechanical activities in the cell cortex. This partitioning follows thermodynamic principles, but breaks down as cells become more active, impacting cell behavior.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Biophysics
  • Thermodynamics

Background:

  • Living systems consume energy to maintain order far from thermodynamic equilibrium.
  • Cellular patterns in chemical and mechanical activities are crucial for cell phenotypes and behaviors.
  • The mechanism of intracellular energy partitioning remains poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how cells partition internal energy between chemical and mechanical activities in the cell cortex.
  • To determine the relationship between energy partitioning, thermodynamic equilibrium, and cellular patterns.
  • To explore the role of the Rho GTPase pathway in regulating cortical energy dynamics.

Main Methods:

  • Measurement of entropy production rates in the chemical and mechanical subsystems of the cell cortex.
  • Manipulation of the Rho GTPase pathway to induce diverse cortical patterns (pulses, choppy waves, labyrinthine/spiral waves).
  • Analysis of Onsager reciprocity and energy partitioning across different pattern dynamics.

Main Results:

  • Energy is proportionally partitioned between chemical and mechanical subsystems under Onsager reciprocity at lower activity levels (choppy waves).
  • Entropy production rate is maximized in choppy waves within the range of reciprocity.
  • Reciprocity is broken, and energy partitioning becomes differential as the cortex forms labyrinthine or spiral waves, uncoupling chemical and mechanical activities.
  • Energy partitioning and reciprocity are governed by the interplay between chemical reaction and mechanical relaxation timescales.

Conclusions:

  • Cellular energy partitioning is dynamically regulated and depends on the system's proximity to thermodynamic equilibrium.
  • The breakdown of Onsager reciprocity signifies a shift in energy utilization strategies as cellular activity increases.
  • The balance between chemical and mechanical timescales dictates how cells manage energy for pattern formation and function.