NST1502
Assignment 4 PORTFOLIO 2025
Unique number:
Due Date: 2 October 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1 Define Kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. The faster an object
moves, the greater its kinetic energy.
1.2 Explain how energy is transferred in an ecosystem.
Energy in an ecosystem is transferred through food chains and webs. Plants capture
sunlight via photosynthesis, herbivores eat plants, carnivores eat herbivores, and
decomposers recycle nutrients, passing energy at each trophic level.
1.3 What is the main purpose of photosynthesis in plants?
The main purpose of photosynthesis is to convert light energy from the sun into chemical
energy stored as glucose, which fuels plant growth and supports life in ecosystems.
1.4 What is cellular respiration? Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Cellular Use this
respiration is the process bydocument as a guide
which cells breakfor down
learning,glucose
comparison
in and
thereference
presence purpose,
of
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, or and
reference, misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
QUESTION 1
1.1 Define Kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. The faster an
object moves, the greater its kinetic energy.
1.2 Explain how energy is transferred in an ecosystem.
Energy in an ecosystem is transferred through food chains and webs. Plants capture
sunlight via photosynthesis, herbivores eat plants, carnivores eat herbivores, and
decomposers recycle nutrients, passing energy at each trophic level.
1.3 What is the main purpose of photosynthesis in plants?
The main purpose of photosynthesis is to convert light energy from the sun into
chemical energy stored as glucose, which fuels plant growth and supports life in
ecosystems.
1.4 What is cellular respiration?
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose in the presence
of oxygen (or without it) to release energy in the form of ATP.
1.5 Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration. (
Aerobic respiration: Uses oxygen, fully breaks down glucose, produces high
ATP (around 36–38 molecules), with carbon dioxide and water as by-
products.
Anaerobic respiration: Occurs without oxygen, partially breaks down glucose,
produces little ATP (2 molecules), with lactic acid (animals) or ethanol and
CO₂ (plants/yeast) as by-products.
1.6 What is the role of ATP in cellular processes?
ATP provides immediate energy for cellular activities such as muscle contraction,
active transport, nerve transmission, and biosynthesis.
1.7 Explain how ATP is synthesized in the mitochondria.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 4 PORTFOLIO 2025
Unique number:
Due Date: 2 October 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1 Define Kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. The faster an object
moves, the greater its kinetic energy.
1.2 Explain how energy is transferred in an ecosystem.
Energy in an ecosystem is transferred through food chains and webs. Plants capture
sunlight via photosynthesis, herbivores eat plants, carnivores eat herbivores, and
decomposers recycle nutrients, passing energy at each trophic level.
1.3 What is the main purpose of photosynthesis in plants?
The main purpose of photosynthesis is to convert light energy from the sun into chemical
energy stored as glucose, which fuels plant growth and supports life in ecosystems.
1.4 What is cellular respiration? Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Cellular Use this
respiration is the process bydocument as a guide
which cells breakfor down
learning,glucose
comparison
in and
thereference
presence purpose,
of
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, or and
reference, misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
QUESTION 1
1.1 Define Kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. The faster an
object moves, the greater its kinetic energy.
1.2 Explain how energy is transferred in an ecosystem.
Energy in an ecosystem is transferred through food chains and webs. Plants capture
sunlight via photosynthesis, herbivores eat plants, carnivores eat herbivores, and
decomposers recycle nutrients, passing energy at each trophic level.
1.3 What is the main purpose of photosynthesis in plants?
The main purpose of photosynthesis is to convert light energy from the sun into
chemical energy stored as glucose, which fuels plant growth and supports life in
ecosystems.
1.4 What is cellular respiration?
Cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose in the presence
of oxygen (or without it) to release energy in the form of ATP.
1.5 Compare aerobic and anaerobic respiration. (
Aerobic respiration: Uses oxygen, fully breaks down glucose, produces high
ATP (around 36–38 molecules), with carbon dioxide and water as by-
products.
Anaerobic respiration: Occurs without oxygen, partially breaks down glucose,
produces little ATP (2 molecules), with lactic acid (animals) or ethanol and
CO₂ (plants/yeast) as by-products.
1.6 What is the role of ATP in cellular processes?
ATP provides immediate energy for cellular activities such as muscle contraction,
active transport, nerve transmission, and biosynthesis.
1.7 Explain how ATP is synthesized in the mitochondria.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
