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10 Jan 2026

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Understanding B4 Bioenergetics in Biology

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Evelyn Ridley

@ev_alice

Bioenergetics is all about how living things capture, store, and... Show more

Biology 4: Bioenergetics
Section 1: Photosynthesis Equation
1 Carbon dioxide + water $\xrightarrow{light}$ glucose + oxygen
2 6CO2 + 6H2O $\

Bioenergetics: Energy in Living Systems

Ever wondered how plants create their own food or why you get out of breath during exercise? Photosynthesis is the process where plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose using light energy. The equation is: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.

This amazing process happens in chloroplasts, which contain chlorophyll - the green pigment that captures light energy. Photosynthesis is endothermic, meaning it takes in energy from light to work.

Plants don't just make glucose for fun - they use it cleverly! Glucose gets converted into starch for storage, turned into cellulose to strengthen cell walls, or broken down during respiration to release energy. Plants can even make amino acids from glucose (with help from soil nitrates) to build proteins.

Limiting factors control how fast photosynthesis occurs. These include light intensity, CO₂ concentration, temperature, and chlorophyll amount. When one factor is in short supply, it becomes the bottleneck that stops the rate increasing - even if everything else is perfect.

Quick Tip: Remember that when a graph plateaus, the limiting factor has changed from the one you're investigating to something else!

Respiration releases energy from glucose in two ways. Aerobic respiration uses oxygen and happens in mitochondria, producing lots of energy. Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen during intense exercise, creating lactic acid in muscles or ethanol in yeast - which is why we can make bread and beer!

When you exercise hard, your body responds brilliantly. Your breathing rate increases to get more oxygen, your heart rate speeds up to pump oxygenated blood faster, and your breath volume increases. After exercise, you need extra oxygen to deal with lactic acid - this is called oxygen debt.

All these chemical reactions together make up your metabolism - the sum of every reaction keeping you alive. From converting glucose to different storage molecules to breaking down proteins into urea, metabolism never stops working.



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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Biology

596

10 Jan 2026

1 page

Understanding B4 Bioenergetics in Biology

user profile picture

Evelyn Ridley

@ev_alice

Bioenergetics is all about how living things capture, store, and use energy to survive. You'll explore photosynthesis (how plants make food from sunlight) and respiration (how all living things release energy from food), plus discover why your heart pounds after... Show more

Biology 4: Bioenergetics
Section 1: Photosynthesis Equation
1 Carbon dioxide + water $\xrightarrow{light}$ glucose + oxygen
2 6CO2 + 6H2O $\

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Bioenergetics: Energy in Living Systems

Ever wondered how plants create their own food or why you get out of breath during exercise? Photosynthesis is the process where plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose using light energy. The equation is: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.

This amazing process happens in chloroplasts, which contain chlorophyll - the green pigment that captures light energy. Photosynthesis is endothermic, meaning it takes in energy from light to work.

Plants don't just make glucose for fun - they use it cleverly! Glucose gets converted into starch for storage, turned into cellulose to strengthen cell walls, or broken down during respiration to release energy. Plants can even make amino acids from glucose (with help from soil nitrates) to build proteins.

Limiting factors control how fast photosynthesis occurs. These include light intensity, CO₂ concentration, temperature, and chlorophyll amount. When one factor is in short supply, it becomes the bottleneck that stops the rate increasing - even if everything else is perfect.

Quick Tip: Remember that when a graph plateaus, the limiting factor has changed from the one you're investigating to something else!

Respiration releases energy from glucose in two ways. Aerobic respiration uses oxygen and happens in mitochondria, producing lots of energy. Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen during intense exercise, creating lactic acid in muscles or ethanol in yeast - which is why we can make bread and beer!

When you exercise hard, your body responds brilliantly. Your breathing rate increases to get more oxygen, your heart rate speeds up to pump oxygenated blood faster, and your breath volume increases. After exercise, you need extra oxygen to deal with lactic acid - this is called oxygen debt.

All these chemical reactions together make up your metabolism - the sum of every reaction keeping you alive. From converting glucose to different storage molecules to breaking down proteins into urea, metabolism never stops working.

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Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user