Photosynthesis is the process by which autotrophs convert carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates using sunlight and chlorophyll. This process provides the organism with stored forms of energy, primarily in the form of carbohydrates.

Heterotrophic organisms rely directly or indirectly on autotrophs for their energy and material needs. Autotrophs produce organic compounds that serve as food sources for heterotrophs, forming the basis of food chains and ecosystems. Without autotrophs, the energy flow within ecosystems ...

Enzymes act as bio-catalysts in heterotrophic organisms, facilitating the breakdown of complex substances into simpler molecules that can be absorbed and utilized for metabolic processes.

Energy is required to fuel maintenance processes that repair, replace, and regulate cellular structures and functions. Without energy, these processes would cease, leading to cellular dysfunction and eventual organismal death.

Life processes refer to the collective activities that maintain the integrity and functioning of living organisms. These processes are vital for sustaining life by carrying out functions such as metabolism, growth, and repair.

Maintenance functions are essential for preventing damage and breakdown of cellular structures, ensuring the organism’s survival and well-being, even during periods of inactivity.

Molecules must be moved around constantly in living organisms to facilitate processes such as cellular repair, growth, and metabolism. This movement ensures the maintenance of cellular structures and the overall functioning of living organisms.

Continuous repair and maintenance of structures are necessary to counteract the effects of environmental disruptions and prevent the breakdown of cellular organization, which is essential for life.

Environmental factors can disrupt the organized nature of living structures over time, leading to breakdowns in cellular organization and function.

Viruses lack inherent metabolic activity and do not exhibit molecular movement until they infect host cells. This lack of autonomous molecular movement raises questions about whether viruses meet all criteria for life.