Biology SL
Biology SL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Unlock the Power of Autotrophs in Nature

Word Count Emoji
450 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

🌟 Quick Take: Autotrophs are the superheroes of the natural world! They whip up their own food using some basic ingredients and a dash of external energy, much like a chef using sunlight or chemicals as their oven. Let's dive deep into their world!

What Do Organisms Order on Their Menu? 🍕

All organisms have a shopping list (aka nutritional requirements). They need

  • 🍗 Amino acids: These are the building blocks for proteins. Think of them as Lego pieces to construct awesome structures!
  • 🍬 Sugars: Needed for instant energy and to make complex carbohydrates, like storing energy in the form of a candy bar for later.
  • 🍟 Fatty acids: Dual-purpose! They give energy and also help construct protective barriers, like our cell membranes. It's like using fries to build a fortress. 🏰
  • 🧬 Organic bases: Crucial ingredients to make nucleic acids during DNA copying and message writing (transcription). It's like the coded message inside a spy letter.
  • 🌈 Steroids and other carbon goodies: Imagine these as the special toppings and add-ons in a recipe.

Who are the DIY Food Makers? 🤔

Some organisms don't rely on food delivery (like we often do). They make their own from scratch. These are our superstar autotrophs. They

  • Use CO2 or HCO3− as their carbon source, like using flour in baking.
  • Grab nitrate, phosphate, and a sprinkle of other inorganic goodies for extra elements.

"Auto" means self, and "troph" relates to food. So, autotroph = self-feeding. 🍽

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IB Resources
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Unlock the Power of Autotrophs in Nature

Word Count Emoji
450 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

🌟 Quick Take: Autotrophs are the superheroes of the natural world! They whip up their own food using some basic ingredients and a dash of external energy, much like a chef using sunlight or chemicals as their oven. Let's dive deep into their world!

What Do Organisms Order on Their Menu? 🍕

All organisms have a shopping list (aka nutritional requirements). They need

  • 🍗 Amino acids: These are the building blocks for proteins. Think of them as Lego pieces to construct awesome structures!
  • 🍬 Sugars: Needed for instant energy and to make complex carbohydrates, like storing energy in the form of a candy bar for later.
  • 🍟 Fatty acids: Dual-purpose! They give energy and also help construct protective barriers, like our cell membranes. It's like using fries to build a fortress. 🏰
  • 🧬 Organic bases: Crucial ingredients to make nucleic acids during DNA copying and message writing (transcription). It's like the coded message inside a spy letter.
  • 🌈 Steroids and other carbon goodies: Imagine these as the special toppings and add-ons in a recipe.

Who are the DIY Food Makers? 🤔

Some organisms don't rely on food delivery (like we often do). They make their own from scratch. These are our superstar autotrophs. They

  • Use CO2 or HCO3− as their carbon source, like using flour in baking.
  • Grab nitrate, phosphate, and a sprinkle of other inorganic goodies for extra elements.

"Auto" means self, and "troph" relates to food. So, autotroph = self-feeding. 🍽

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟