Once an Organic Molecule Enters a Metabolic Pathway, a Significant

Question

Once an organic molecule enters a metabolic pathway, a significant percentage of its energy
A)can be recycled through the ecosystem.
B)will be recovered and used by decomposers.
C)is lost as unrecoverable heat.
D)enters the nutrient cycle.

Accepted Answer

According to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, energy transformations are not 100% efficient, and a significant amount of energy is lost as unrecoverable heat during metabolic pathways. This energy cannot be recycled through the ecosystem or used by decomposers. Some of the energy may enter the nutrient cycle, but not a significant percentage. Thus, option C is the best choice.