Bonnie Bassler - Eubacteria

Unit 2 - Cellular Matter and Energy Flows How matter and energy cycle through the biosphere

What you need to understand in this unit The biosphere is characterized by a constant flow of energy and cycling of matter Photosynthesis stores energy in organic compounds and respiration releases energy for cell use Steady state equilibrium in the biosphere is due to a balance of energy and matter exchange with living systems.

Task: Vocabulary Check Use your textbook to help you define the following: Biosphere Photosynthesis Respiration Organic compounds Steady state equilibrium

Biosphere: The global sum of all ecosystems. The zone of life on Earth What are the other spheres that make up the Earth?

All interact as part of a complex and dynamic system Change is evident in all the spheres of the Earth. Changes are the result of internal and external energy sources.

Photosynthesis – From the Greek [photo-], "light," And – [synthesis], "putting together”/"composition") Is a process that converts carbon dioxide into organic compounds, especially sugars, using the energy from sunlight.

Cellular Respiration: AKA 'oxidative metabolism’ Key way a cell gains energy. Is the set of the metabolic reactions and processes that take place to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products.

Organic Compounds A material that contains carbon and hydrogen and usually other elements such as nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen.

Steady State Equilibrium An average condition of a system where the system remains unchanged in time.