Biology Unit 9 - Energy and Matter

Study Notes

Photosynthesis

Plants and some organisms utilize light energy to transform water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and carbohydrates like glucose.

Chlorophyll

This green pigment is crucial for photosynthesis, located in the chloroplasts of plants, algae, and some bacteria, as it absorbs light energy.

Cellular Respiration

Organisms perform this process to decompose food molecules with oxygen, resulting in the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), an essential energy carrier.

Energy

Defined as the ability to perform work, especially in biological contexts, where it causes changes in systems or organisms.

Matter

Refers to anything that possesses mass and occupies physical space, forming the basis of all physical substances.

The Law of Conservation of Energy

Energy cannot be created or annihilated, but it can be transformed from one form to another, maintaining a constant total energy amount in a closed system.

The Law of Conservation of Mass

In chemical reactions, mass remains constant; the initial mass of elements equals the mass of those elements after the reaction concludes.

Energy Pyramid

A graphical representation illustrating the energy transfer across trophic levels in an ecosystem, showing the diminishing energy available as one moves from producers to apex consumers.

Carbon Cycle

Describes the cyclical movement of carbon between living organisms and the nonliving environment, facilitating the organic circulation of carbon in nature, from the atmosphere into organisms and back.

Description

This quiz covers key concepts from Unit 9, focusing on the cycling of energy and matter in biological systems. Important terms like photosynthesis and chlorophyll are defined to enhance understanding of these fundamental processes. Test your knowledge of how energy and matter interact within ecosystems.