Answer
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Work Step by Step
If the cells of the body could convert the energy in food substances with only 20% efficiency, it would mean that only 20% of the energy obtained from the oxidation of glucose is converted into ATP, and the rest is lost as heat.
The body would not work just fine as it does now because a significant amount of energy would be wasted as heat. The body's overall metabolic efficiency would decrease, and more glucose would be required to meet the energy demands. The excess heat generated could cause the body to overheat..