Synoptic essay: energy transfers...

Hi, I'm doing A2 biology this year which includes an exam of synoptoc questions, one of which is an essay. I've got a practise one 2 do 4 homework but I don't know where to begin. I have to write an essay on:

Energy transfers which take place inside living organisms.

Aaargh, I don't know. There is photosynthesis and respiration but how much do I write about each one? Also, are there any other energy transfers I could write about? I would be very grateful of any help :redface:

thanks

Reply 1

oxymoron

I would talk about what form the energy is being converted between and how this happens.

Eg light energy --> Chemical potential energy in Photosynthesis (details of how this happens)

This chemical potential energy used in respiration to create other form of chemical energy (ATP) that can be used in reactions in the cell ... useful as it is the universal energy currency etc.

All these energy transfers are enzyme controlled so energy is released in small packets that can be used rather than a load of waste heat.

Other energy transfers involve ATP --->ADP releasing energy to be used in many processes (eg Movement of muscles, active transport etc)