One molecule of glucose is recycled into __ molecules of carbon dioxide during cellular respiration. (1 point) THE ANSWERS ARE A. 12 B. 6 C. 2 D. 1
One molecule of glucose is recycled into 6 molecules of carbon dioxide during cellular respiration.
The correct answer is: B. 6
Which role does photosynthesis play in the flow of energy
Photosynthesis plays a crucial role in the flow of energy in the biosphere as the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in the bonds of glucose (sugar) molecules. This energy conversion is fundamental to the existence of life on Earth, and here's how photosynthesis contributes to the energy flow:
1. **Capture of Solar Energy**: Through the chlorophyll in their cells, photosynthetic organisms capture solar energy, which would otherwise be radiated back into space or absorbed and dissipated as heat.
2. **Production of Glucose**: The captured sunlight is used to convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the soil into glucose. Oxygen is released as a byproduct. The glucose serves as an energy source for the plant and, ultimately, for other organisms that consume the plant.
3. **Basis of Food Chains and Webs**: The glucose produced by photosynthesis is the starting point for food chains and webs. All organisms rely on this process, directly or indirectly, for their energy. Herbivores eat plants to obtain energy, and carnivores, in turn, eat herbivores. Even decomposers feed on dead organic matter derived from photosynthetic organisms.
4. **Storage and Transfer of Energy**: Photosynthetic organisms not only provide immediate energy for other organisms but also store energy for later use. Plants store energy in complex carbohydrates (starches), fats, and proteins, which are consumed by herbivores and omnivores.
5. **Supporting Life's Processes**: Nearly all life on Earth relies on the continuous flow of energy that begins with photosynthesis. It fuels the biosphere, supports the oxygen cycle, enables growth and reproduction, and drives ecosystems' energy dynamics.
In summary, photosynthesis is the primary way that the energy in sunlight is converted into chemical energy that ultimately powers virtually all organisms in an ecosystem. It drives the biological and chemical cycles that sustain life, anchors the food web, and influences the global carbon cycle.