Organisms need an input of energy in order to stay alive. ? True ? False
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is True.
Organisms require an input of energy to maintain their vital functions and survive. This energy comes from various sources depending on the type of organism. For instance, plants get their energy primarily from sunlight through the process of photosynthesis, where they convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. Animals, on the other hand, get their energy from consuming plants or other animals, breaking down complex organic molecules through processes like digestion and cellular respiration to release the energy they need.
The energy is essential for a variety of biological processes, including maintaining cellular structure, growth, reproduction, and responding to environmental stimuli. Metabolism is the term used to describe all the chemical reactions that occur within an organism to convert food into usable energy. In animals, this involves breaking down nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, into simpler molecules like glucose and fatty acids. These molecules are then used in processes such as the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation to generate ATP, the primary energy carrier in cells.
Without this constant input of energy, organisms would not be able to carry out essential life processes. Even at rest, organisms need energy to sustain basic functions like breathing, circulation, and maintaining body temperature. Thus, energy input is crucial for the survival of all living organisms, whether it comes from external sources like sunlight or food, or from internal processes like the breakdown of stored energy reserves.