Chemical Energy Organisms require a constant source of energy. Energy is needed for organisms to maintain their homeostasis. Homeostasis is the process of maintaining internal order and balance even when the environment changes. Organisms use and store energy in the chemical bonds of organic compounds. Almost all of the energy in organic compounds comes from the sun.

Chemical Energy, continued Photosynthesis is the process that takes place in the chloroplasts by which plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce carbohydrates and oxygen. Organisms that are able to perform photosynthesis, such as plants, are autotrophs. Autotrophs make organic compounds that serve as food for them and for almost all of the other organisms on Earth,

Visual Concept: Photosynthesis Sun ENERGY + CO2 + water Glucose (sugar) + Oxygen Glucose gets stored and oxygen gets released as a bi- product of the reaction.

Chemical Energy, continued Organisms that cannot make their own food must absorb food molecules made by autotrophs, eat autotrophs, or eat organisms that consume autotrophs. Food molecules that are made or consumed by an organism are the fuel for its cells. Cells use these molecules to release the energy stored in the molecules’ bonds. The energy is used to carry out life processes.

Visual Concept: Cellular Respiration Oxygen + glucose ENERGY + CO2 + Water Vapor CO2 & H2O are biproducts that get released to atmosphere.

Metabolism and the Carbon Cycle Metabolism involves either using energy to build organic molecules or breaking down organic molecules in which energy is stored. Organic molecules contain carbon. Therefore, an organism’s metabolism is part of Earth’s carbon cycle. Energy from the sun is converted to chemical energy in chloroplasts.

Metabolism and the Carbon Cycle, continued Organisms extract energy in glucose molecules. Through the process of cellular respiration in the mitochondria, cells make the carbon in glucose into stable carbon dioxide molecules and produce energy. Energy is also released and used to make ATP (adenosine triphospate), an organic molecule that is the main energy source for cell processes.

Linking Photosynthesis and Respiration Plants conduct photosynthesis which absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere and converts it into Oxygen. Respiration is conducted by aerobic organisms like mammals including humans. Respiration involves taking in oxygen and expelling CO2. Plants need the CO2 that human produce and humans need the oxygen that plants produce. We are dependent on each other in this way. One’s products are the reactants needed for the other process to take place.

Transferring Energy In chemical reactions, energy can be absorbed and released during the breaking and forming of bonds. In cells, chemical energy is gradually released in a series of chemical reactions that are assisted by enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts in biochemical reactions. (speed up reactions and reduce the amount of energy needed)

Transferring Energy, continued ATP When cells break down food molecules, some of the molecules is released as heat. Much of the remaining energy to make ATP. ATP is a portable form of energy “currency” inside cells. ATP is a nucleotide made up of a chain of three phosphate groups. When the bond of the third phosphate group is broken, energy is released, producing ADP.

ATP Releases Energy

Transferring Energy, continued In many cells, ATP synthase recycles ADP by bonding a third phosphate group to the molecule to form ATP. ATP synthase acts as both an enzyme and a carrier protein for hydrogen ions.

Transferring Energy, continued The flow of H+ ions through ATP synthase powers the production of ATP. In chloroplasts and mitochondria, a series of molecules, called an electron transport chain, pump H+ ions across the membrane to create a concentration gradient. The electron transport chain uses energy from released from electron carriers, such as NADH and NADPH, to pump hydrogen ions.

Electron carriers

Summary Organisms use and store energy in the chemical bonds of organic molecules. Metabolism involves either using energy to build organic molecules or breaking down organic molecules in which energy is stored. Organic molecules contain carbon. Therefore, an organism’s metabolism is part of Earth’s carbon cycle. In cells, chemical energy is gradually released in a series of chemical reactions that are assisted by enzymes.