Question

how cells get energy
cells get energy from the food we eat. the energy found in food is referred to as
\________\ energy because it is waiting to be ________.
describe what happens in each step below.

Explanation:

1. The energy stored in food is potential energy, as it is stored and waiting to be used or released.
2. Step 1: Food is consumed, containing stored chemical energy.
3. Step 2: The digestive system breaks down food into small, usable nutrient molecules (like glucose) that can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
4. Step 3: Nutrient molecules are transported to cells, and enter the cell to be processed in organelles (like mitochondria).
5. Step 4: The cell breaks down nutrients to convert the stored energy into ATP, the usable energy currency of the cell that powers cellular functions.

Answer:

1. First blank: Potential; Second blank: released/used
2. Step 1: Food with stored energy is ingested.
3. Step 2: Digestive system breaks down food into absorbable nutrients.
4. Step 3: Nutrients enter cells for energy processing.
5. Step 4: Cells produce ATP, usable cellular energy.