This set of study notes covers the topic of energy transfers in and between organisms in A-Level Biology. The notes cover photosynthesis, respiration, energy and ecosystems, nutrient cycles, the importance of energy transfers in biology, data analysis, and scientific communication. In detail, the n...
III. Respiration
A. Respiration
1. Definition: the process by which organisms convert glucose into ATP (adenosine
triphosphate) to release energy.
2. Cellular respiration can be divided into three stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the
electron transport chain.
B. Glycolysis
1. Occurs in the cytoplasm of cells.
2. Glucose is broken down into pyruvate, producing a net of two ATP molecules.
3. Glycolysis is anaerobic, meaning it does not require oxygen.
C. The Krebs Cycle
1. Occurs in the mitochondria of cells.
2. Pyruvate is converted into acetyl CoA, which enters the Krebs cycle.
3. The Krebs cycle produces ATP, NADH, and FADH2.
4. The Krebs cycle requires oxygen to function.
D. The Electron Transport Chain
1. Occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
2. NADH and FADH2 produced during the Krebs cycle donate electrons to the electron
transport chain.
3. Electrons are transported along a series of protein complexes, which releases energy that is
used to pump protons across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
4. The energy stored in the proton gradient is used to drive the synthesis of ATP.
E. Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration
1. Aerobic respiration requires oxygen and produces much more ATP than anaerobic
respiration.
2. Anaerobic respiration occurs in the absence of oxygen and produces less ATP.
3. Lactic acid fermentation and alcoholic fermentation are two types of anaerobic respiration.
F. Chloroplast Structure and Function
1. Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells.
2. Chloroplasts are responsible for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert
sunlight into energy.
3. Chloroplasts have a double membrane, an inner and outer membrane.
4. Within the chloroplasts are thylakoids, stacks of membranes where light-dependent reactions
take place.
5. Chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their green color, is located in the thylakoid
membranes and is responsible for absorbing sunlight.
6. The light-independent reactions of photosynthesis occur in the stroma of the chloroplasts,
where CO2 is fixed into glucose.
, I. Introduction
Importance of energy transfer in organisms
Overview of photosynthesis and respiration
Explanation of energy flow in ecosystems
II. Photosynthesis
Definition and overview
Chloroplast structure and function
Light-dependent reactions
Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle)
Factors affecting photosynthesis
III. Respiration
Definition and overview
Aerobic respiration
Anaerobic respiration
The role of mitochondria in respiration
Factors affecting respiration
IV. Energy and Ecosystems
Food chains and food webs
Trophic levels
Energy transfer efficiency
Pyramid of biomass, energy and numbers
V. Nutrient Cycles
The carbon cycle
The nitrogen cycle
The water cycle
The role of microorganisms in nutrient cycles
VI. Importance of Energy Transfers in Biology
Role of energy in maintaining homeostasis
Impact of energy use on the environment
Applications of energy transfer knowledge in agriculture and industry
VII. Data Analysis in Energy Transfer Studies
Use of graphs and tables
Calculations of energy transfer efficiency
Interpretation of data
VIII. Scientific Communication in Energy Transfer Studies
Writing scientific reports
The importance of accurate and clear communication
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