Life Processes Cheat Sheet

Key Definitions

• Metabolism: The sum of all chemical reactions in an organism. ✅

• Homeostasis: The maintenance of a stable internal environment. ✅

• Respiration: The process of converting glucose and oxygen into energy. ✅

• Photosynthesis: The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy. ✅

Important Concepts

Metabolic Processes

• Anabolism: Building up of complex molecules from simpler ones (e.g., protein synthesis). ✅

• Catabolism: Breaking down of complex molecules into simpler ones (e.g., cellular respiration). ✅

Nutritional Modes

• Autotrophs: Organisms that produce their own food (e.g., plants). ✅

• Heterotrophs: Organisms that consume other organisms for energy (e.g., animals). ✅

Transport Mechanisms

• Diffusion: Movement of molecules from high to low concentration. ✅

• Osmosis: Diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane. ✅

Key Formulas

• CO2: Carbon dioxide

• H2O: Water

• C6H12O6: Glucose

• O2: Oxygen

Respiration: C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy ✅

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistake: Confusing photosynthesis with respiration. Remember, photosynthesis occurs in light, while respiration occurs in all conditions.

Memory Tricks

Tip: "MRS. GREN" — Movement, Respiration, Sensitivity, Growth, Reproduction, Excretion, Nutrition — key life processes.

Key Diagrams

Photosynthesis Process:
   Sunlight
      |
      v
   +----------+
   |          |
   |  CO2 + H2O  |
   |          |
   +----------+
      |
      v
   C6H12O6 + O2

Respiration Process:
   C6H12O6 + O2
      |
      v
   +----------+
   |          |
   |  CO2 + H2O + Energy |
   |          |
   +----------+