Concept explainers
To review:
The reason for the continuous uptake of energy by the biosphere from outside and the reason behind the non-recycling of energy among the organisms.
Introduction:
Different species present in the biosphere, either microorganisms or human beings require energy in order to perform various functions. There is a range of sources of energy in the environment. It may be obtained from chemical compounds or light. Energy from various sources is utilized for survival, cellular function, and growth.
Explanation of Solution
Sun is the basic source of energy on Earth. Some portion of the energy from the Sun is absorbed by microorganisms and also all by the photosynthetic plants. The consumers and decomposers consume the biomass produced by these photosynthetic plants. There are few bacteria that utilize ultraviolet and near-infrared radiation from the Sun to perform photosynthesis.
There is a loss of heat in the environment after every step of synthesis by the plants. This heat is a by-product of energy produced during the reaction. The energy is completely exhausted or remains in trace amounts after multiple steps. Due to this exhaustion of energy at successive steps, the energy cannot be recycled. Hence, in the biosphere, the energy cannot be recycled among organisms and there is a requirement of continuous uptake of energy from an external source like the Sun.
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Chapter 13 Solutions
MICROBIOLOGY WITH LAB EXPERIENCE >PKG<
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