Biology: Energy and ATP

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Questions and Answers

What role does ATP play in cells?

It transports oxygen in the bloodstream.

It stores and releases energy. (correct)

It acts as a storage unit for genetic information.

It provides structural support to cell membranes.

How can cells release the energy stored in ATP?

By combining ATP with glucose.

By breaking the chemical bonds between the first and second phosphate groups.

By converting ATP directly into heat.

By breaking the chemical bonds between the second and third phosphate groups. (correct)

What is ATP composed of?

Adenine, a 6-carbon sugar, and three phosphate groups

Guainine, a 5-carbon sugar, and three phosphate groups

Adenine, a 5-carbon sugar, and two phosphate groups

Adenine, a 5-carbon sugar, and three phosphate groups (correct)

What happens to ATP when it loses a phosphate group?

It becomes ADP (Adenosine Diphosphate). Signup and view all the answers

Which forms of energy are mentioned in the context as examples?

Light, heat, and electricity Signup and view all the answers

How do living cells store energy?

In the chemical bonds of certain compounds Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the analogy of ATP to a battery?

ATP is like a fully-charged battery and ADP is like a partially-charged battery. Signup and view all the answers

How does ATP's ability to store and release energy make it valuable for cells?

It provides a way to store and release energy as needed. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the energy when the bonds in the wax of a burning candle are broken?

The energy is released as heat and light Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the phosphate groups in ATP?

To store energy that can be released when bonds are broken. Signup and view all the answers

What allows ATP to store and release energy efficiently?

The presence of three phosphate groups Signup and view all the answers

Why is energy crucial for living organisms?

Without energy, life would cease to exist Signup and view all the answers

Which process does NOT require energy in living cells?

Passive transport Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of ATP to cells?

It can store and release energy quickly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organisms is an example of a heterotroph?

Heron Signup and view all the answers

Where does the energy in food originally come from?

The sun Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes heterotrophs from autotrophs?

Heterotrophs obtain energy by consuming other organisms. Signup and view all the answers

How do mushrooms, as heterotrophs, obtain their food?

By absorbing nutrients from decomposing organisms Signup and view all the answers

What role does photosynthesis play in the ecosystem?

It converts sunlight into chemical energy stored in carbohydrates. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes organisms that can manufacture their own food?

Autotrophs Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'photo' in photosynthesis refer to?

Light Signup and view all the answers

Explain the transformation of energy that occurs during photosynthesis.

Sunlight energy is converted into chemical energy stored in carbohydrates. Signup and view all the answers

What role do pigments play in the process of photosynthesis?

They capture energy from sunlight. Signup and view all the answers

Which wavelengths of light do chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b absorb most effectively?

Blue-violet and red Signup and view all the answers

Why do plants appear green in color?

They do not absorb green light; they reflect it. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

Absorbing all wavelengths of light equally Signup and view all the answers

In photosynthesis, which of the following is true about the visible spectrum of sunlight?

It consists of wavelengths that appear as different colors to human eyes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary pigment involved in photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the chloroplast is directly involved in capturing light energy?

Thylakoid Signup and view all the answers

Why might understanding photosynthesis be key to developing efficient solar power systems?

Plants have optimized capturing and converting sunlight into chemical energy. Signup and view all the answers

Which compound acts as a carrier for high-energy electrons in plant cells?

NADP+ Signup and view all the answers

What happens to NADP+ when it accepts high-energy electrons and a hydrogen ion?

It is converted into NADPH Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of NADPH in plant cells?

It carries high-energy electrons to chemical reactions Signup and view all the answers

How does NADP+ differ from NADPH?

NADP+ contains one less hydrogen ion than NADPH Signup and view all the answers

Why do plant cells need electron carriers like NADP+?

To prevent the high-energy electrons from damaging the cell Signup and view all the answers

What analogy is used to describe the function of an electron carrier in the text?

A pan carrying hot coals Signup and view all the answers

In what form is the energy from sunlight trapped during the conversion of NADP+ to NADPH?

Chemical form Signup and view all the answers

Which components are involved in the transformation of NADP+ to NADPH?

Two high-energy electrons and one hydrogen ion Signup and view all the answers

Where does the process of photosynthesis take place in plants?

Chloroplasts Signup and view all the answers

What are the stacks of thylakoid membranes inside chloroplasts called?

Grana Signup and view all the answers

How do chlorophyll molecules contribute to photosynthesis?

They absorb and transfer light energy to electrons. Signup and view all the answers

What becomes noticeable as chlorophyll molecules break down in the fall?

Red and orange pigments Signup and view all the answers

What is the fluid portion of the chloroplast called?

Stroma Signup and view all the answers

What role do accessory pigments like carotene play?

They absorb light in different regions of the spectrum. Signup and view all the answers

Which compounds are built using energy from high-energy electrons in photosynthesis?

Sugar molecules Signup and view all the answers

What are thylakoid membranes in the chloroplast filled with?

Chlorophyll Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the chloroplast do the light-dependent reactions take place?

Thylakoids Signup and view all the answers

What compounds are produced during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?

ATP and NADPH Signup and view all the answers

Which molecule is NOT required for the light-independent reactions?

O2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the light-independent reactions in photosynthesis?

To build high-energy sugars from carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of photosynthesis can occur without sunlight?

Light-independent reactions Signup and view all the answers

How do the products of the light-dependent reactions contribute to the light-independent reactions?

They supply ATP and NADPH Signup and view all the answers

Which wavelength of light supports the growth of Elodea in photosynthesis?

Red Signup and view all the answers

Which molecule acts as the electron carrier in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?

NADP+ Signup and view all the answers

What are the end products of the light-dependent reactions?

ATP and NADPH Signup and view all the answers

During photosynthesis, what happens to the oxygen atoms left over after water is split?

They form oxygen gas and are released into the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

In photosynthesis, what role does sunlight play in the light-dependent reactions?

It raises the energy level of electrons in water molecules Signup and view all the answers

In the overall equation for photosynthesis, what are the reactants and products?

Carbon dioxide and water; sugars and oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Where do the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis take place?

In the thylakoid membranes Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of adding a third phosphate to ADP in the light-dependent reactions?

It creates ATP Signup and view all the answers

Which primary function does ATP perform in the sodium-potassium pump?

Maintaining ionic balance across the cell membrane Signup and view all the answers

What explanation could be given for the low amount of ATP found in cells?

ATP is constantly regenerated from ADP Signup and view all the answers

How do cells benefit from the ability of ATP to convert chemical energy to light?

It powers the blinking of fireflies Signup and view all the answers

In what way does ATP participate in cellular movement?

By powering motor proteins to contract muscles Signup and view all the answers

What might be the result of repeating the Euglena experiment with a food source in the test tubes?

Euglena will use both photosynthesis and heterotrophy for energy Signup and view all the answers

Why is glucose considered more efficient for long-term energy storage compared to ATP?

Glucose contains more energy than ATP Signup and view all the answers

What pattern might be observed in the distribution of Euglena given their photosynthetic capability?

Concentration towards the top where light is available Signup and view all the answers

Which process directly involves ATP in enabling cells to move?

Contraction of muscle fibers Signup and view all the answers

What attribute of ATP makes it less suitable for long-term energy storage?

Its limited energy storage capacity Signup and view all the answers

What experimental observation would confirm Euglena’s reliance on photosynthesis in the experiment?

Euglena congregating towards the lit area Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Energy and Life

Homeostasis requires energy to maintain cellular functions, such as growth, development, and response to environmental changes.

Chemical Energy and ATP

Energy is the ability to do work, and it comes in various forms, including light, heat, and electricity.
Energy can be stored in chemical compounds, such as molecules, and released as needed.
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is a molecule that stores and releases energy for cells.
ATP consists of adenine, ribose, and three phosphate groups.
The phosphate groups are the key to ATP's ability to store and release energy.

Storing and Releasing Energy

ATP releases energy by breaking the chemical bonds between atoms in the second and third phosphate groups.
ATP functions like a rechargeable battery, with energy being used to add a phosphate group to ADP to generate ATP, and energy being released when a phosphate group is split off and released.
ATP is exceptionally useful as a basic energy source for all cells.

Heterotrophs and Autotrophs

Heterotrophs obtain energy by consuming other living things, such as plants or animals.
Autotrophs, such as plants, algae, and some bacteria, make their own food using energy from sunlight.
Photosynthesis is the process by which autotrophs capture energy from sunlight and convert it into chemical energy stored in carbohydrates.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis uses the energy of sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into high-energy sugars and oxygen.
Chlorophyll, a green pigment, absorbs light energy and plays a crucial role in photosynthesis.
Electron carriers, such as NADP+, are used to transport high-energy electrons produced by light absorption in chlorophyll.
The energy from sunlight is used to convert NADP+ into NADPH, which carries high-energy electrons to chemical reactions elsewhere in the chloroplast.

Chloroplasts and Photosynthesis

Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells where photosynthesis takes place.
Chloroplasts contain thylakoids, which are stacked into grana, and the stroma, a fluid portion outside of the thylakoids.
Chlorophyll is embedded in the thylakoid membranes and absorbs light energy.

Light-Dependent and Light-Independent Reactions

Light-dependent reactions take place in thylakoid membranes and use energy from sunlight to produce ATP and NADPH.
Light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle, take place in the stroma and use ATP and NADPH to build high-energy sugars from carbon dioxide.

The Importance of ATP and Photosynthesis

ATP is a crucial molecule for transferring energy in cells, but it is not suitable for storing large amounts of energy over the long term.
Cells regenerate ATP from ADP as needed using the energy from foods like sugar.
Photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth, as it provides the energy and organic compounds needed to support the food chain.

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Description

Learn about the role of energy in maintaining cellular functions, including homeostasis, and the importance of ATP in storing and releasing energy for cells.