In this discussion, you will justify the dependence of life on the sun and the i
ID: 87876 • Letter: I
Question
In this discussion, you will justify the dependence of life on the sun and the interdependence of living things and their chemistry. People who do not understand the relationships between biological processes on the planet may roll their eyes at the statement, "Life on this planet is a delicate balance." What evidence have you found in this course so far to support this statement? You will be composing an essay with different paragraphs addressing the points below. If the format of your post is in question/answer format rather than a coherent essay, you will lose points. Consider: • The relationship between the sun, autotrophs, and heterotrophs. Give examples of how the relationship between each group. • The relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Explain the chemical reactants and products of one to the other. • The relationship between oxidation and reduction reactions. Define and provide an example of each. • The production and consumption of ATP during photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Be detailed in where ATP is made, and where it may be used both in photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Explanation / Answer
Compare to other planet,The earth is a living planet where many complex systems run in perfect manner without any interruption. it is prove that in all its aspects the earth is specially designed for human life,which is Built on delicate balances, life prevails in every spot of this planet, from the atmosphere to the depths of the earth.
Exploring only a few of the millions of these delicate balances would be sufficient to show that the world we live in is specially designed for us.
Some of the balances on earth as follows
Autotrophs
This are organisms that can produce their own food from the substances available in their surroundings using light (Photosynthesis) or chemical energy (chemosynthesis). They convert simple inorganic substance in to simple organic substance,Autotrophs are usually plants; they are also called "self feeders" or "primary producers".Eg. Plants algae
Types are Photoautotroph,Chemoautotroph
Heterotrophs
This are the organism not able synthesize their own food and depend on other organisms — both plants and animals — for nutrition. Technically, the definition is that autotrophs obtain carbon from inorganic sources like carbon dioxide (CO2) while heterotrophs get their reduced carbon from other organisms.Eg. Herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores
Types Photo heterotroph,Chemo heterotroph
Energy production of Autotrophs and heterotrophs
A)Autotrophs produce their own food by one of the following process
1.Photosynthesis:
Photoautotrophs use energy from sun to convert water from the soil and carbon dioxide from the air into Glucose.Glucose provides energy to plants and is used to make cellulose which is used to build cell walls. E.g. Plants, algae, phytoplankton and some bacteria . Hence, these plants are basically autotrophs
2.Chemosynthesis :
Chemoautotrophs use energy from chemical reactions to make food. The chemical reactions are between hydrogen sulfide/methane with oxygen. Carbon dioxide is the main source of carbon for Chemoautotrophs. E.g. Bacteria found inside active volcano, hydrothermal vents in sea floor, hot water springs.
B)Heterotrophs:
This organism depends on feeding organic matter produced by other available organism survive by feeding on organic matter produced by or available in other organisms. There are two types of heterotrophs:
1.Photo heterotroph:
use light for energy but cannot use carbon dioxide as their carbon source. They get their carbon from compounds such as carbohydrates, fatty acids and alcohol. E.g. purple non-sulfur bacteria, green-non sulfur bacteria and heliobacteria.
2.Chemo heterotroph : get their energy by oxidation of preformed organic compounds, i.e. by eating other organisms either dead or alive. E.g. Animals , fungi, bacteria and almost all pathogens.
consumption of ATP during photosynthesis and cellular respiration
photosynthesis
Initially, sunlight is absorbed in the chloroplast. Water molecules are broken down, and oxygen is released. High-energy-electrons are transported into what is known as the electron transport chain.
Step 2
Hydrogen molecules are transported across the thylakoid membrane and then diffused through a protein channel known as ATP synthase, generating ATP. NADPH is produced by adding electrons to NADP+.
This is the end of the light-dependent reactions that require energy from sunlight to function.
Step 3: The Calvin Cycle
The ATP produced fuels the next step known as the Calvin Cycle. This Cycle is the 2nd stage of photosynthesis, and it is light-independent (aka dark).
Cellular Respiration:
Cellular respiration is the process by which sugar is converted into ATP using oxygen. This process is aerobic and it mostly takes place in the mitochondria, which make most of the cell's ATP.
Step 1: Glycolysis
This first step in cellular respiration is anaerobic and occurs in the cytoplasm. The six-carbon molecules known as glucose is broken down into three-carbon molecules producing ATP.
Step 2: The Krebs Cycle
The Krebs Cycle occurs in mitochondria and produces CO2 and more ATP. This process is much more complicated and requires many steps.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and algae use energy from sunlight plus carbon dioxide and water, to produce sugars (glucose). All living organisms depend on photosynthesis for survival either directly or indirectly.
The third main part of cellular respiration is the electron transport chain, which occurs in the mitochondria. H+ ions pass back across the membrane through a protein (ATP Synthase) producing most of the ATP. The H+ combine with O2 to produce H2O
Oxygen molecules collect electrons and hydrogen ions to form water, which is given off as a waste product.
Conclusion
The product of cellular respiration is carbon dioxide, water, and 36 ATP molecules for every glucose molecule.
H+ ions pass back across the membrane through a protein (ATP Synthase) producing most of the ATP. The H+ combine with O2 to produce H2O
Adenosine triphospate ADP-ATP
The regeneration of ATP from ADP requires energy, which is obtained in the process of oxidation. The energy released in the oxidation of carbohydrates and fats initiates a complex series of chemical reactions that ultimately regenerate ATP molecules from ADP molecules.
Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), an energy-bearing molecule found in all living cells. The energy in ATP is obtained from the breakdown of foods.
The phosphate groups are linked to one another by chemical bonds called phosphate bonds. The energy of ATP is locked in these bonds.
The energy in ATP can be released as heat or can be used in the cell as a power source to drive various types of chemical and mechanical activities. After energy is released or transfered, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and inorganic phosphate (Pi) are formed.
Fermentation
Alcoholic Fermentation: It produces alcohol and Carbon Dioxide (bread yeast, beer, homemade root beer)
Lactic Acid Fermentation: It produces Lactic acid but no Carbon Dioxide (yogurt, exercise (short, quick burst of energy or less than 90 seconds)
Fermentation is the production of ATP from food in absence of oxygen or in anaerobic conditions.
The relationship between oxidation and reduction reactions.
This are main types of biochemical reactions reduction and oxidation, water addition and removal, bond breaking reactions and the movement of groups between molecules. There are many possible types of biochemical reactions, but they all belong to one of those four categories.
Oxidation happens when a substance gains oxygen, while reduction is when a substance loses oxygen. These types of reactions are very useful for life. Microorganisms living deep underground, for example, use the process of oxidation to create energy from their immediate environment.
Bond-breaking reactions are also essential for creating energy. Bonds between atoms and molecules contain energy, which can be released and harnessed if the bonds are broken and then remade.
While there are only four main types of biochemical reactions, this does not mean that the chemistry of life is not complex. Each type of reaction can take place in a number of different situations, which allows for a range of chemical processes from the same basic principles.
Related Questions
drjack9650@gmail.com
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.