Question
How do living material obtain material and energy
Answers
Answered by
GPT 3.5
Living materials obtain materials and energy through various processes.
1. Ingestion: Animals directly consume organic matter as food. They obtain materials such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water, and minerals through ingestion.
2. Photosynthesis: Green plants, algae, and some bacteria synthesize their own food via photosynthesis. They utilize sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. This glucose serves as a primary source of energy and building blocks for their growth and development.
3. Absorption: Fungi and some bacteria absorb nutrients from their environment. They secrete enzymes to break down organic matter present in their surroundings, and then absorb the dissolved nutrients.
4. Decomposition: Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, obtain material and energy by breaking down dead organisms and organic waste materials. They convert complex organic compounds into simpler molecules that can be used as a source of energy and raw materials by other organisms.
5. Symbiosis: Some organisms form symbiotic relationships where they obtain materials and energy from each other. For example, lichen consists of a symbiotic association between fungi and algae. The fungus provides the structure and protection, while the algae provide food through photosynthesis.
Overall, the diverse strategies employed by living organisms allow them to acquire the necessary materials and energy for their survival and growth.
1. Ingestion: Animals directly consume organic matter as food. They obtain materials such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, water, and minerals through ingestion.
2. Photosynthesis: Green plants, algae, and some bacteria synthesize their own food via photosynthesis. They utilize sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. This glucose serves as a primary source of energy and building blocks for their growth and development.
3. Absorption: Fungi and some bacteria absorb nutrients from their environment. They secrete enzymes to break down organic matter present in their surroundings, and then absorb the dissolved nutrients.
4. Decomposition: Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, obtain material and energy by breaking down dead organisms and organic waste materials. They convert complex organic compounds into simpler molecules that can be used as a source of energy and raw materials by other organisms.
5. Symbiosis: Some organisms form symbiotic relationships where they obtain materials and energy from each other. For example, lichen consists of a symbiotic association between fungi and algae. The fungus provides the structure and protection, while the algae provide food through photosynthesis.
Overall, the diverse strategies employed by living organisms allow them to acquire the necessary materials and energy for their survival and growth.