Energy in living organisms (A level Bio)
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Living organisms are highly ordered systems that require a constant input of energy to prevent them becoming disordered (condition that leads to death). More particularly, energy is needed for:
- METABOLISM= Especially the process of anabolism, in which simple substances are built up into complex ones (monosaccharides> Polysaccharides, Amino acids> Polypeptides)
- MOVEMENT= Both within (circulation of blood) and of organism itself (locomotion due to muscular contraction or movement of cilia or flagella)
- ACTIVE TRANSPORT= of ions and molecules against a concentration gradient across cell membranes e.g. sodium-potassium pump
- MAINTENANCE, REPAIR AND DIVISION= of cells and organelles
- PRODUCTION OF SUBSTANCES= used within organisms e.g. enzymes and hormones
- MAINTENANCE OF BODY TEMPERATURE= in birds and mammals which are endothermic organisms need energy, the lost heat to the surroundings.
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