Life follows the rules of the 2nd law
of thermodynamics (energy transfer/
transformation increase entropy in
universe)
Life (all living systems) need a
constant input of free energy - on
our plant we get this from the sun
life needs a highly
ordered system - this is
maintain by the constant
input of free energy.
Biological process increase
and maintain order by off
seting the increased entropy
(disorder)
Life is able to couple this with
cellular processes which maintains
order
gaining
energy:
autotrophs
- physical
sources
from
environme
nt (SUN)
Energy
input
MUST
exceed
energy loss
to entropy!
heterotrophs
- by eating/
using others
(carbon
compounds)
in order to
maintain
order and
power
biological/
cellular
processes
exergonic reactions
(negative change in
free energy) are what
couple positive free
energy change
(endergonic)
disruptions in free
energy will lead to
1. DEATH :(
2. POPULATION
HARMS (easter
island)
3. ECOSYSTEM
(food chains)
Living system uses free energy to maintain ORDER AND ORGANIZATION (ex. organ systems), GROW (ex. replacing dead
cells - skin), REPRODUCE (passing on our genes), HOMEOSTASIS (ex. ectotherms absorbing heat from the sun) and STORING
(plants -> starch -> potatoes and animals (pig) -> fat).
!