,QUESTION 1
1.1 Define the term “energy” and provide an example that shows your
understanding
Energy: refers to the ability to perform tasks or initiate movement or change. In
biological systems, it is vital for sustaining life activities such as respiration, reproduction,
and growth. Organisms gain energy from food or sunlight depending on their
classification.
Example: a green plant captures sunlight and transforms it into chemical energy during
photosynthesis, storing it as glucose for future use (Campbell et al., 2018).
1.2 Identify the main source of energy for all living organisms on Earth
The Sun is the primary provider of energy for nearly all life forms on Earth. It delivers
solar energy that autotrophs, like green plants, absorb during photosynthesis to make
food. This energy is passed on to other organisms through various feeding levels in food
chains (Miller & Levine, 2017).
1.3 Explain why living organisms need energy
Living Organisms need energy to carry out various biological processes essential for
survival. These include cell division, movement, repairing damaged tissues, and
regulating body temperature. Energy is also required for internal processes like digestion
and respiration. Without energy, organisms would not be able to function, reproduce, or
respond to environmental changes (Raven et al., 2014).
1.4 Name the molecule that is considered the fundamental energy currency of
cells
, Adenosine Triphosphate, abbreviated as ATP, is regarded as the main energy
currency in all living cells. It stores energy within its high-energy phosphate bonds and
releases it to drive cellular activities when needed. ATP is generated primarily through
processes like cellular respiration (Reece et al., 2014).
1.5 State the difference between ATP and ADP
Difference between ATP and ADP
ATP holds three phosphate groups
ADP has two phosphate groups and
When a phosphate group is removed,
carries less energy.
it converts to ADP
ATP is a high-energy molecule ADP is a low energy molecule
compared to ADP. compared to ATP.
The molar mass is 507.18 g/mol. The molar mass is 427.201 g/mol.
The process of converting ATP to ADP and back is crucial for energy transfer in cells, such
as during muscle contraction or active transport across membranes (Freeman et al., 2016).
1.6 Recall the two stages of photosynthesis
Photosynthesis consists of two primary phases: the light-dependent and the light-
independent reactions. The light-dependent phase happens in the thylakoid
membranes where sunlight splits water molecules to create ATP and NADPH. These
molecules power the light-independent phase, or Calvin Cycle, which takes place in the
chloroplast stroma and converts carbon dioxide into glucose. These stages work
together to provide food and energy for the plant (Urry et al., 2017).
1.7 Describe the role of the Sun in the process of photosynthesis
1.1 Define the term “energy” and provide an example that shows your
understanding
Energy: refers to the ability to perform tasks or initiate movement or change. In
biological systems, it is vital for sustaining life activities such as respiration, reproduction,
and growth. Organisms gain energy from food or sunlight depending on their
classification.
Example: a green plant captures sunlight and transforms it into chemical energy during
photosynthesis, storing it as glucose for future use (Campbell et al., 2018).
1.2 Identify the main source of energy for all living organisms on Earth
The Sun is the primary provider of energy for nearly all life forms on Earth. It delivers
solar energy that autotrophs, like green plants, absorb during photosynthesis to make
food. This energy is passed on to other organisms through various feeding levels in food
chains (Miller & Levine, 2017).
1.3 Explain why living organisms need energy
Living Organisms need energy to carry out various biological processes essential for
survival. These include cell division, movement, repairing damaged tissues, and
regulating body temperature. Energy is also required for internal processes like digestion
and respiration. Without energy, organisms would not be able to function, reproduce, or
respond to environmental changes (Raven et al., 2014).
1.4 Name the molecule that is considered the fundamental energy currency of
cells
, Adenosine Triphosphate, abbreviated as ATP, is regarded as the main energy
currency in all living cells. It stores energy within its high-energy phosphate bonds and
releases it to drive cellular activities when needed. ATP is generated primarily through
processes like cellular respiration (Reece et al., 2014).
1.5 State the difference between ATP and ADP
Difference between ATP and ADP
ATP holds three phosphate groups
ADP has two phosphate groups and
When a phosphate group is removed,
carries less energy.
it converts to ADP
ATP is a high-energy molecule ADP is a low energy molecule
compared to ADP. compared to ATP.
The molar mass is 507.18 g/mol. The molar mass is 427.201 g/mol.
The process of converting ATP to ADP and back is crucial for energy transfer in cells, such
as during muscle contraction or active transport across membranes (Freeman et al., 2016).
1.6 Recall the two stages of photosynthesis
Photosynthesis consists of two primary phases: the light-dependent and the light-
independent reactions. The light-dependent phase happens in the thylakoid
membranes where sunlight splits water molecules to create ATP and NADPH. These
molecules power the light-independent phase, or Calvin Cycle, which takes place in the
chloroplast stroma and converts carbon dioxide into glucose. These stages work
together to provide food and energy for the plant (Urry et al., 2017).
1.7 Describe the role of the Sun in the process of photosynthesis
