Multiple Choice
If the entropy of a living organism is decreasing, which of the following is most likely to be occurring simultaneously?
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7. Energy and Metabolism
Laws of Thermodynamics
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When chemical, transport, or mechanical work is done by an organism, what happens to the heat generated?
A
It is used to power yet more cellular work in the surroundings.
B
It is captured to store energy as more heat in the system.
C
It is used to generate ADP.
D
It is lost to the environment.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that when an organism performs work, such as chemical, transport, or mechanical work, energy is transformed from one form to another.
Recognize that according to the laws of thermodynamics, particularly the second law, energy transformations are not 100% efficient, and some energy is always lost as heat.
Consider that the heat generated during these processes is not used to perform additional cellular work because it dissipates into the environment.
Acknowledge that this heat cannot be captured to store energy as more heat in the system, as heat energy naturally flows from a warmer to a cooler area, leading to its loss to the surroundings.
Conclude that the correct understanding is that the heat generated during cellular work is lost to the environment, contributing to the organism's thermal regulation and the surrounding ecosystem's energy balance.
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