To Life Processes

To Life Processes Life Process Definition: Life processes are the various biochemical and physical functions that are essential for the survival of living organisms. Examples: Nutrition, respiration, transport, excretion, etc. Metabolism Definition: Metabolism is the sum total of all chemical reactions taking place inside a living organism to maintain life. Types of Metabolism: Anabolism: Constructive process-small molecules are combined to form larger ones. Example: Formation of proteins from amino acids. Catabolism: Destructive process-large molecules are broken into smaller ones. Example: Digestion of starch into glucose. Biomolecules The Building Blocks of Life Definition: Biomolecules are complex organic molecules found in living organisms that perform various biological functions. Types of Biomolecules Carbohydrates: Provide energy. Examples: Glucose, starch. Proteins: Build and repair tissues. Examples: Enzymes, hormones. Lipids (Fats and Oils): Store energy, form cell membranes Nucielc Acids: Store genetic information. Examples: DNA, RNA Internal and External Environment Internal Environment:The conditions inside the body or cell (e.g., extracellular fluid, cytoplasm). Homeostasis: The process of maintaining a stable internal environment. Importance: For the proper functioning of metabolic activities. Plasma Membrane and the Movement of Substances Definition: The plasma membrane is a selectively permeable boundary that controls the entry and exit of substances. It is also called the cell membrane. Photosynthesis - Food Production in Plants Definition: The process by which green plants prepare food (glucose) using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. Types of Movement Across the Plasma Membrane Transport of Nutrients in Plants Xylem: Transports water and minerals from roots to leaves. Phloem: Transports food (mainly sucrose) from leaves to other parts. Water Movement By osmosis from soil to roots By transpiration pull, cohesion, and adhesion through the xylem Importance of Plants in the Biosphere Producers:Base of the food chain. Oxygen providers:Photosynthesis releases O2. Resources:Medicines, spices, latex, fibres. Ecosystem support:Maintain biodiversity and regulate climate. Special Mention:Mangroves - prevent soil erosion and support marine life. Conservation and Sustainability Conservation of plant resources is essential for sustaining life. Environmentalists like Kallen Pokkudan worked to protect mangroves. Education and awareness are key to sustainable living. Let Us Revise - Key Terms Metabolism:Sum of all life processes. Biomolecules:Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids. Plasma Membrane: Selectively permeable membrane of the cell. Osmosis: Water movement through a semi-permeable membrane Photosynthesis: Food preparation in plants using sunlight. Homeostasis: Maintaining internal stability. Xylem & Phloem: Vascular tissues in plants.