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Electrons' role in the transfer of energy in living systems.

Electrons play a very important role in the transfer of energy in living systems. They
allow the cell to transfer and use energy through oxidation and reduction (NAD+ and
NADH).

The elimination of an electron from a molecule thru a manner known as oxidation


consequences in a lower withinside the capacity strength saved withinside the oxidized
compound. When oxidation takes place withinside the cell, the electron (now and again
as a part of a hydrogen atom) does now no longer stays un-bonded withinside the
cytoplasm. Instead, the electron shifts to a 2d compound, lowering the second
compound (oxidation of 1 species usually takes place in tandem with a discount of
another) (Energy in Living Systems, n.d.).

The shift of an electron from one compound to some other gets rid of a few capability
power from the primary compound (the oxidized compound) and will increase the
capability power of the second compound (the decreased compound). The switch of
electrons among molecules thru oxidation and discount is vital due to the fact maximum
of the power saved in atoms is withinside the shape of high-power electrons; it's far this
power this is used to gas cell functions. The switch of power withinside the shape of
electrons lets in the cell switch and use power in an incremental fashion: in small
programs in place of as a single, unfavorable burst (Energy in Living Systems, n.d.).

In conclusion, living organisms must take in energy from their environment and convert
it into a form their cells can use. Organisms ingest large molecules, like carbohydrates,
proteins, and fats, and convert them into smaller molecules like carbon dioxide and
water. This process is called cellular respiration, a form of catabolism, and makes
energy available for the cell to use. The energy released by cellular respiration is
temporarily captured by the formation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) within the cell.
ATP is the principal form of stored energy used for cellular functions and is frequently
referred to as the energy currency of the cell (Energy in Living Systems, n.d.).
Reference

Energy in Living Systems. (n.d.). Lumen. Retrieved July 3, 2021, from

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-biology/chapter/energy-in-living-

systems/

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