Question
Show where the energy storage molecules in an ecosystem come from.
Ask by Guerrero Grant. in the United States
Jan 24,2025
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Energy storage molecules in ecosystems come from primary producers like plants and algae through processes called photosynthesis and chemosynthesis. These processes convert sunlight or chemical energy into carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. These molecules are then passed through the food web to herbivores and carnivores, providing energy for all living organisms.
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Energy storage molecules in an ecosystem primarily originate from the process of photosynthesis. Green plants, algae, and certain bacteria harness sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This glucose is a vital energy storage molecule that forms the basis of the food web, serving as fuel for primary consumers.
Additionally, when plants and animals die, they decompose, and their stored energy molecules like lipids and carbohydrates are broken down by microorganisms. This process returns nutrients to the soil, creating a rich environment for new plant growth, thus continuing the cycle of energy storage and transfer throughout the ecosystem.