Metabolism

Front

What are autotrophs/producers?

Back

Organisms that produce their own food using sunlight or chemical energy, primarily through photosynthesis.

Front

How do autotrophs contribute to the carbon cycle?

Back

They take in carbon dioxide and use it to make sugar during photosynthesis.

Front

What is the role of heterotrophs/consumers in the ecosystem?

Back

They must consume (eat) other organisms to obtain energy.

Front

What is the equation for photosynthesis?

Back

6CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight -> C6H12O6 + 6O2.

Front

What is the equation for cellular respiration?

Back

O2 + C6H12O6 -> CO2 + H2O + ATP.

Front

How are photosynthesis and cellular respiration connected?

Back

Both processes utilize carbon dioxide and sugar (C6H12O6) and are part of the carbon cycle.

Front

What is the primary energy source for photosynthesis?

Back

Sunlight.

Front

What is ATP and its role in metabolism?

Back

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the energy currency of the cell, used to power various cellular processes.

Front

What is chemosynthesis?

Back

A process by which certain organisms create energy from chemical reactions, often in the absence of sunlight.

Front

What are decomposers and their role in the ecosystem?

Back

Organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.