Energy (CIE A Level Biology)

• Living organisms are composed of cells, and within each cell, many activities and processes are constantly being carried out to maintain life
• Work in a living organism requires energy and usable carbon compounds

Essential work within organisms table

As the metal ions are both moving against their concentration gradient, they cannot move by simple diffusion. They require a carrier protein and ATP to activate the carrier protein

The source of energy & materials

• For nearly all organisms the sun is the primary source of energy
• The reactions of photosynthesis store energy in organic molecules
  • Light energy from the sun is transformed into chemical potential energy in the synthesis of carbohydrates
  • The carbohydrates formed are then used in the synthesis of ATP (from their breakdown) or are combined and modified to form all the usable organic molecules that are essential for all metabolic processes within the plant
  • Photosynthesis is carried out by the first organism in a food chain, such as plants and some other small organisms

• Respiration in all living cells releases energy from the breakdown of organic molecules
• Respiration involves the transfer of chemical potential energy from nutrient molecules (such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins) into a usable energy form (through the synthesis of ATP) that can be used for work within an organism

Glucose equations

glucose + oxygen →  carbon dioxide + water + energy

C₆H₁₂0₆ + 6 O₂ →  6 CO₂ + 6 H₂0 + 2870kJ

• Autotrophs are organisms that are able to synthesise their own usable carbon compounds from carbon dioxide in the atmosphere through photosynthesis
• Heterotrophs don’t have this ability. They require a supply of pre-made usable carbon compounds which they get from their food

Transfer of energy and materials between autotrophs and heterotrophs through the processes of photosynthesis and respiration