* Work: Energy fuels all the processes that allow organisms to move, respond to stimuli, and carry out essential functions like breathing and digesting food.
* Growth: Energy is required to build new cells, tissues, and structures, resulting in an organism's increase in size.
* Change: Energy powers the processes of development and adaptation, allowing organisms to change over time in response to their environment.
Sources of energy:
* Autotrophs: Organisms like plants and algae obtain energy directly from sunlight through photosynthesis.
* Heterotrophs: Organisms like animals and fungi get energy by consuming other organisms (plants or animals).
Types of energy used:
* Chemical energy: Stored within the bonds of molecules like glucose (sugar) and fats.
* Light energy: Captured by plants and algae during photosynthesis.
* Heat energy: Used to maintain body temperature and perform various functions.
In short, energy is the fundamental currency that powers all life processes, enabling organisms to work, grow, and change.
