Question

Growth, development and functioning of living body is due to (a) Decrease in entropy (b) Increase in Gibbs-free energy (c) Metabolism (d) Adaptations

Short answer

The growth, development and functioning of a living body is mainly due to Metabolism.

Step-by-step solution

Analyzing Answer Options

The first step is to understand each of the answer options. Decrease in entropy and Increase in Gibbs-free energy are processes from thermodynamics and they are not directly tied to biological growth and development. On the other hand, Metabolism refers to the chemical reactions that occur within an organism to maintain life and Adaptations are changes in organisms that enable them to survive in a particular environment.

Identifying The Correct Answer

In the context of the question, Metabolism seems to be the most relevant answer. While adaptations allow organisms to live in specific environments, they do not directly dictate growth and development. Metabolism, however, is the process that powers growth and development by providing the energy and building blocks needed for these processes.

Key concepts

Biological Growth and Development

Understanding the fundamentals of biological growth and development is essential for studying the life sciences. Growth refers to an increase in size and mass due to cell multiplication and can manifest as height in plants or muscle mass in animals. Development, on the other hand, comprises the various changes an organism undergoes through its life cycle - from an embryo to a mature adult.

This process is fueled by metabolism, the intricate series of chemical reactions occurring within living organisms needed to sustain life. Metabolism consists of two major parts: anabolism, the building up of complex molecules from simpler ones, and catabolism, the breakdown of molecules to release energy. These metabolic pathways lead to the growth and development of organisms, using energy stored in food to build and maintain cells, tissues, and organ systems.

For example, in humans, the hormone human growth hormone (HGH) stimulates metabolic processes in cells to contribute to muscle growth and regeneration. Plants utilize the energy from sunlight to produce glucose through photosynthesis—a metabolic process critical for their growth.

Therefore, metabolism is central to biological growth and development, enabling organisms not only to grow but also to differentiate and change as they progress through their life cycles.

Gibbs Free Energy

The concept of Gibbs Free Energy is crucial in understanding the energetics of biological processes. Defined by the equation \( \Delta G = \Delta H - T\Delta S \), where \( \Delta G \) is the change in Gibbs free energy, \( \Delta H \) is the change in enthalpy (or total energy), \( T \) is the temperature in Kelvin, and \( \Delta S \) is the change in entropy, Gibbs Free Energy determines whether a reaction is spontaneous or requires added energy. A negative \( \Delta G \) implies that a process can occur without external energy input, while a positive \( \Delta G \) means energy must be supplied.

In biological contexts, processes such as cellular respiration and photosynthesis are driven by the change in Gibbs free energy. ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell, when hydrolyzed to ADP (adenosine diphosphate), releases energy \( \Delta G \) that powers metabolic processes essential for growth and development. These reactions are meticulously regulated so that the energy released is just enough for the cells' needs, showcasing the precise control organisms must exert over their internal environments.

Without the energy provided by these exergonic (energy-releasing) reactions, endergonic (energy-consuming) processes necessary for building cellular structures and facilitating growth could not take place. This interplay shows how Gibbs free energy is a cornerstone in understanding how organisms grow, develop, and maintain their complex structures.

Biological Adaptations

The topic of biological adaptations remains one of the most fascinating aspects of biology. Adaptations are characteristics that enable organisms to survive and reproduce in their environments. These can be structural, such as the thick fur of arctic animals for insulation against cold, or behavioral, like bird migration to access food across seasons.

Adaptations are the result of evolutionary processes, primarily natural selection, where the advantageous traits become more common in a population over generations. For instance, cacti have evolved thick stems for water storage and spines to deter herbivores in their arid habitat.

Moreover, molecular adaptations are subtle yet powerful changes at the cellular or genetic level that confer an advantage to the organism. An example is the modification of hemoglobin in humans living at high altitudes to increase oxygen affinity and thus enhance oxygen transport in thinner air.

While not directly involved in the day-to-day growth and metabolic energy expenditure, adaptations are crucial for the long-term success and evolution of species, influencing development pathways and even metabolic efficiency. It's the delicate balance between the immediate metabolic needs and the long-term adaptive strategies that ensures survival and propagation of life across the diverse tapestry of ecosystems on our planet.