Energy and Matter in Ecosystems

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, using carbon dioxide and water.

Front

What is cellular respiration?

Back

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water.

Front

How do photosynthesis and cellular respiration relate to each other?

Back

Photosynthesis converts energy into glucose, while cellular respiration converts glucose into energy.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among organisms in an ecosystem, showing how energy and nutrients flow through the system.

Front

What role do producers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers, such as plants, create their own food through photosynthesis and serve as the base of the food web.

Front

What is the flow of energy in a food web?

Back

Energy flows from producers to consumers to decomposers.

Front

What are decomposers?

Back

Decomposers are organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, that break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.

Front

What is chlorophyll?

Back

Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants that absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis.

Front

What is the equation for photosynthesis?

Back

The equation for photosynthesis is @@6CO_2 + 6H_2O + ext{light energy} ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2@@.

Front

What is the role of sunlight in photosynthesis?

Back

Sunlight provides the energy needed for plants to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose.