The Circle of Life
This is the primary source of energy for nearly all ecosystems on Earth.
What is the sun?
This is the control center of the cell, responsible for storing genetic information and directing cellular activities.
What is the nucleus?
These three atoms are found in all macromolecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
What are Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O)?
This pigment, found in the chloroplasts, is responsible for absorbing sunlight during photosynthesis.
What is chlorophyll?
This process returns carbon to the atmosphere when dead plants and animals decompose and break down.
What is decomposition?
This term describes the flow of energy through an ecosystem, starting with producers and passing through various levels of consumers.
What is the food chain (or food web)?
This organelle is known for energy production in the cell because it produces ATP through cellular respiration.
What is the mitochondria?
This type of macromolecule is composed of amino acids and is responsible for building and repairing tissues.
What are proteins?
The process of photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and this gas, which is released into the atmosphere.
What is oxygen?
This gas is released during cellular respiration by animals, plants, and decomposers as they break down glucose for energy.
What is carbon dioxide (CO2)?
This term refers to the energy lost as heat at each trophic level, making it inefficient to have more than four or five levels in a food chain.
What is the 10% rule?
This structure surrounds the cell and controls the movement of substances in and out of the cell, maintaining homeostasis.
What is the cell membrane (or plasma membrane)?
The monomers that make up this macromolecule include glucose and fructose.
What are carbohydrates?
In cellular respiration, this molecule is broken down to produce ATP in the presence of oxygen.
What is glucose?
Carbon is stored in this type of rock for millions of years, as organisms such as marine animals accumulate calcium carbonate in their shells.
What are sedimentary rocks (or limestone)?
This term describes the maximum number of individuals of a species that an environment can support over time.
What is carrying capacity?
Found only in plant cells, this structure provides rigidity, support, and protection and is made primarily of cellulose.
What is the cell wall?
This macromolecule, often referred to as the "genetic material," is made of nucleotides and stores instructions for protein synthesis.
What is DNA?
The final step in cellular respiration, where most ATP is produced, takes place in this organelle.
What is the mitochondrion (or mitochondria)?
The process where plants and trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through their leaves.
What is photosynthesis?
This concept refers to the changes in an ecosystem's structure and function over time, often following a disturbance.
What is ecological succession?
These structures are found in plant cells and are responsible for converting sunlight into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
What are chloroplasts?
This type of macromolecule is nonpolar, hydrophobic, and includes fats, oils, and phospholipids.
What are lipids?
This type of fermentation occurs in muscle cells when oxygen is scarce and can result in the production of lactic acid.
What is lactic acid fermentation?
These organisms play a major role in the carbon cycle by converting organic carbon into carbon dioxide during the process of respiration.
What are decomposers (or fungi and bacteria)?