Energy balance in biological processes

Steps:

• Define energy loss as net expenditure from the organism's stored or captured resources.
• Evaluate photosynthesis: plants capture solar energy and store it as glucose, gaining energy overall.
• Assess other options: respiration, thermoregulation, and germination all consume stored energy without external input.
• Identify the process with net energy gain as the one without overall loss.

Why A is correct:

• Photosynthesis follows the equation 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂, converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

Why the others are wrong:

• B: Respiration (C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP + heat) releases stored energy as ATP and heat, resulting in net loss.
• C: Temperature control uses metabolic energy for processes like shivering or sweating to maintain homeostasis.
• D: Germination mobilizes seed reserves (e.g., starch) for growth, depleting stored energy.

Final answer: A