- Life depends on continuous transfers of energy.
- In photosynthesis, light is absorbed by chlorophyll and this is linked to the production of ATP.
- In respiration, various substances are used as respiratory substrates. The hydrolysis of these respiratory substrates is linked to the production of ATP.
- In both respiration and photosynthesis, ATP production occurs when protons diffuse down an electrochemical gradient through molecules of the enzyme ATP synthase, embedded in the membranes of cellular organelles.
- The process of photosynthesis is common in all photoautotrophic organisms and the process of respiration is common in all organisms, providing indirect evidence for evolution.
- In communities, the biological molecules produced by photosynthesis are consumed by other organisms, including animals, bacteria and fungi. Some of these are used as respiratory substrates by these consumers.
- Photosynthesis and respiration are not 100% efficient. The transfer of biomass and its stored chemical energy in a community from one organism to a consumer is also not 100% efficient.
Source: AQA Spec
Included in this download
| Module | Title |
|---|---|
| 3.5.1 | Photosynthesis |
| 3.5.2 | Respiration |
| 3.5.3 | Energy and ecosystems |
| 3.5.4 | Nutrient cycles |