Question

Why do organisms need to take food?

Answer 1

Hint: Food along with water makes the basic components of life. Food consists of all essential nutrients and elements required by humans to perform various life processes. Nutrients acquired from food are broken down into energy in bodies.

Complete answer: Our body is made up of different cells performing different functions that require energy and various other elements to function well and perform the life processes that sustain us. Food is the source of all the required nutrients and elements for the cells. Each of the nutrients like carbohydrates, vitamins, proteins, fats, and minerals performs specific functions in the body. Cells perform various metabolic processes that use enzymes that act as catalysts. Now, these enzymes are made of protein molecules. Proteins are made of various amino acids. Our body is able to make only 20 amino acids. The rest are acquired from the diet. These amino acids are used in enzyme formation. This reflects the importance of food in our life. If we will not take sufficient food then enzymes will not be made. Important metabolic processes will stop. This will slow down the functioning of the body. Eventually, we will feel weak. Thus, food has a powerful significance in any organism's life.
Also, vital processes like respiration, transportation, reproduction, the beating of the heart, etc. require energy derived from food. Food ingested is broken down into simpler molecules which are transported by the blood to sites where they are required. This process is called digestion and absorption. The respiration process further utilizes these molecules to form energy. This energy is utilized by cells for proper growth and development.

Note: It is now known that food has a significant impact on the working of the brain. “What we eat affects what we think” is a popular phrase based on the effect of food on the brain. Junk food makes brain processing dull as it acts as addiction and increases dopamine in abnormal levels. This harms the smooth functioning of the brain.