Entropy

Definition

Entropy is a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. In biological systems, it often relates to the energy available for work and how it impacts metabolic processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Entropy increases in a closed system according to the Second Law of Thermodynamics.
2. Biological systems use energy to maintain low entropy states, which is essential for life.
3. High entropy corresponds to high disorder and low availability of usable energy.
4. During metabolic reactions, some energy is always lost as heat, increasing the system's entropy.
5. Cells must continually input energy to counteract entropy and sustain organized structures.

Review Questions

Related terms

Thermodynamics:

The study of energy transformations that occur in a collection of matter.

Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions that occur within an organism.

Energy: The capacity to do work or bring about change; exists as kinetic or potential.