Energy

ENERGY:
Power derived from the utilization of physical or chemical resources


Forms of Energy in Nature:
- Wind
- Sun
- Photosynthesis
- Metabolism


Now that Spring is upon us, photosynthesis is going to become one of the greatest factors in creating energy. As things begin budding they begin using sunlight to create energy.              
                                                                  How It Works:

Photosynthesis is used by almost every plant to create energy to sustain life on its own. In order to execute this process, there are a variety things that need to happen. Within the plant there organelles called chloroplasts. The chemical chlorophyl gives the chloroplasts the green tint we commonly see in leaves and plants. As a result of this, the chloroplasts attract a certain amount of sun light which is used in the Krebs Cycle (a series of chemical reactions) along with water and oxygen to create ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This ATP  and carbon dioxide is then used in another chemical reaction known as the Calvin Cycle to create glucose (glucose is energy).

Diagram of Photosythesis
http://p3sts1011.blogspot.com/2011/03/314.html

Wind:

Another well known source of energy is the Wind. Commonly we see electric windmills used to collect and harness this energy for human use. Within our park we have open fields where this could be an option. If this happened we could supply neighboring houses with green renewable energy! This is one step towards a greener earth. 

Check out more on how these windmills work here: http://www.thegeneralelectric.com/how-windmills-generate-electricity.html

Metabolism:

Organisms also must have a way of converting their food into energy. Our metabolisms are the way us organisms convert our food into usable energy, in order to keep us functioning. At Winstrom I found plenty of ways animals can get their energy. Grass and pine cones are a delicious treat for scavengers. 

How It Works:

After food is eaten, molecules in the digestive system called enzymes break proteins down into amino acids, fats into fatty acids, and carbohydrates into simple sugars (glucose). In addition to sugar, both amino acids and fatty acids can be used as energy sources by the body when needed. These compounds are absorbed into the blood, which transports them to the cells.