Describe the energy transformations involved in two of the following processes?...?

Question

1. energy flow in an ecosystem

2. glycolysis

3. photosynthesis

4. digestion of starch

Answer 1

1.  When energy flows in an ecosystem, it changes form.  The chemical energy stored in the plants is converted by animals to energy of motion, and to allow for growth, reproduction, and other metabolic activities.  Some is even transformed into sound and light (bioluminescence).  Other is  stored as chemical energy, to be passed on the the next link in the food chain.  However, on the average, only 10% of the energy of one trophic level is passed on to the next.  90% is released as heat, never to be recycled.

2.  Photosynthesis converts solar energy (from the electromagnetic spectrum) to chemical energy.  Plants and bacteria are able to convert solar energy to chemical energy, stored in the bonds of compounds such as sugars and starches.