A living organism represents stored energy in the form of chemical compounds. When an organism dies, what happens to that stored energy ?

Options

A. All chemicals immediately lose their high-energy bonds
B. All molecules immediately degrade into basic elements
C. All energy immediately leaves, and that is one manifestation that the organism is dead
D. Chemical compounds in cells lose their organisation over time because there is no longer an input of energy to maintain the organised state

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Stored Energy in Living Organisms**: Living organisms store energy in the form of chemical compounds, primarily through the food they consume. This energy is essential for various biological processes and activities.

2. **Role of Energy in Living Organisms**: The energy stored in chemical compounds is utilized for metabolic activities, growth, reproduction, and maintaining homeostasis. This energy is continuously replenished through the intake of food.

3. **What Happens When an Organism Dies**: Upon the death of an organism, the metabolic processes cease. This means that there is no longer an input of energy to sustain the organization of chemical compounds within the cells.

4. **Consequences of Energy Loss**: With the cessation of energy input, the organized state of chemical compounds begins to deteriorate. The cells start to lose their structural integrity and organization over time.

5. **Conclusion**: Therefore, when an organism dies, the stored energy in the form of chemical compounds becomes disorganized and eventually dissipates, as there is no energy available to maintain their organized state.

**Final Answer**: When an organism dies, the stored energy in the form of chemical compounds loses its organization over time due to the absence of energy input to maintain it.

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