Why do organisms need to obtain energy via cellular reparation?
to perform glycolysis
to grow and reproduce
to break down ATP
to photosynthesize
Organisms need to obtain energy via cellular respiration for several reasons:
1. To perform glycolysis: Glycolysis is the initial step in cellular respiration, where glucose is broken down into pyruvate. This process generates a small amount of ATP and NADH, which can be further utilized in subsequent energy-generating pathways.
2. To grow and reproduce: Energy is crucial for all cellular processes, including growth and reproduction. Cellular respiration provides the necessary ATP for these activities, allowing cells and organisms to grow and divide.
3. To break down ATP: ATP is the primary energy currency in cells. It is constantly used and broken down by cells to provide energy for various cellular activities, such as muscle contraction, active transport, and synthesis of molecules. Cellular respiration helps replenish ATP levels by producing more ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.
4. To photosynthesize: Although photosynthesis is a process that occurs in autotrophic organisms (such as plants, algae, and some bacteria), cellular respiration is required to utilize the energy captured during photosynthesis. The energy-rich molecules produced through photosynthesis (like glucose) are broken down through cellular respiration to release ATP, which the organism can use for its energy needs.
In summary, cellular respiration is essential for organisms to obtain energy for basic life functions, growth, reproduction, ATP breakdown, and even to utilize the energy captured through photosynthesis.