Please help with biochem

Question

The first law of thermodynamics states that the amount of energy in the universe is constant, but that the various forms of energy can be interconverted. Describe four different types of such energy transduction that occur in living organisms and provide one example for each?

Answer 1

Alex,

 

Here are the examples:

 

Any kind of muscle movement (lifting something, swimming etc.):

 

Stored energy (ATP) in body muscles is converted into biological movement

 

Photosynthesis:

 

Solar energy utilized by plants to produce food.

 

Heat  production:

 

Exercise (biking, jogging etc.)  utilizes stored ATP and then fat, proteins etc. for metabolism and generates heat that warms up the body (This also happens during normal daily activities).

 

Electricity:

 

By creating dams on rivers, energy from forceful flow of water is used to generate electricity. In human body neurotransmitters send "Action Potential" or electric impulse to various body organs including muscles  for biological actions: such as closing the eyes while facing bright sunlight!

 

Hope this helps.