AS101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Snack, Cheetos, Watch Glass
Document Summary
Plants have evolved processes that convert light energy into the chemical bonds of complex molecules. The chemical bonds in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins store energy until needed by the plant. The plant can then release the energy by breaking the appropriate chemical bonds. Every animal maintains its life processes by consuming complex molecules that store energy. The processed plants and animals we eat as foods contain varying amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Because each of these types of foods contains varying amounts of energy, these foods will release varying amounts of energy when they are used by cells. Within our bodies, the energy is released slowly by a series of chemical reactions. By burning pieces of food, the chemical energy stored in molecular bonds is released as heat and light. The heat can be measured in units called calories.
