Why does an organism need energy and a constant supply of materials?

Question

Why does an organism need energy and a constant supply of materials?

Answer 1

Good question that provokes the mind to think!

Orgamisms evolved from the ocean of water, minerals, and organic compounds as primitive, self-replicating mini-codes in fatty sacs. As evolution increasingly separated life forms from their surroundings eventually permitting our ancestors to leave the wet environment for good, there arose the material need to replenish the ocean-like properties to maintain survival. Hence arose the physical requirements of water, salts, and organic substances as a source of energy (nutrition components such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins).

origin of life: http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origin_...

(see the full version article in wikipedia proper for more details.)

Another way to answer the question is to take the cell theory as the framework on which to base our argument.

1. all living beings are composed of cells.

2. all life activities occur within the cells

3. all new living beings come from a prior cells.

1. would mean that all organisms must sustain the cells in order to stary alive.

2. would mean that the needs of a cell must be met in order for life activities to continue.

3. would mean that a significant supply of materials would be needed to reproduce as the new cells that make up the new organism would need material to build them.

For more info, see the following: http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_th...

(see the full version article in wikipedia proper for more details.)

Answer 2

Here is a very simple answer.

An organism needs energy and a constant supply of materials in order to carry out life (or cell) processes.