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Energy
Biology Midterm Vocabulary
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| radiant energy | energy in the form of light waves that can travel through a vacuum |
| pigment | molecule containing atoms that enable it to absorb certain wavelengths of light |
| chemical reaction | occurs when chemical bonds between atoms are broken, forming a new substance |
| reactant | substances that are broken apart in chemical reactions |
| product | new substances that are formed |
| activation energy | energy needed to start a chemical reaction |
| free energy | extra energy from reactions |
| exergonic | a reaction that releases energy |
| endergonic/endothermic | a reaction that takes up energy |
| catalyst | a substance that alters a chemical reaction so that it can proceed at a lower activation rate |
| enzyme | catalyst used to trigger and control certain reactions |
| substrate | reactant to which an enzyme binds |
| active site | site where substrate and enzyme bind and the reaction occurs |
| pH | indicator of how acidic or basic substances are |