Bioenergetics: Powering Life Photosynthesis: Creating Glucose Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into...
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. The equation is:
6CO2 + 6H2O + Light Energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2
The rate of photosynthesis is affected by:
The glucose produced is used by plants for energy, growth, and storage.
Respiration is the process of transferring energy from glucose to produce ATP, the energy currency for cells.
Aerobic respiration occurs in the presence of oxygen:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP
It takes place in the mitochondria of cells and releases a large amount of energy.
Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen:
C6H12O6 → 2C3H6O3 + ATP
It occurs in the cytoplasm and releases much less energy than aerobic respiration.
During intense exercise, the demand for energy exceeds the supply of oxygen, leading to anaerobic respiration and the buildup of lactic acid. After exercise, the body repays this "oxygen debt" through increased breathing and heart rate, oxidizing the lactic acid.
Metabolic rate is the amount of energy an organism expends to maintain life processes. Factors affecting metabolic rate include:
Understanding bioenergetics is crucial for comprehending how organisms obtain and utilize energy for survival and growth.