Assignment 4 PORTFOLIO 2025
Due Date: 2 October 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
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, 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.
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