Cellular Respiration:
C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy (ATP)
* C₆H₁₂O₆: Glucose (sugar)
* 6O₂: Six molecules of Oxygen
* 6CO₂: Six molecules of Carbon Dioxide
* 6H₂O: Six molecules of Water
* Energy (ATP): Adenosine triphosphate, the primary energy currency of cells
Photosynthesis:
6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Light Energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
* 6CO₂: Six molecules of Carbon Dioxide
* 6H₂O: Six molecules of Water
* Light Energy: Energy from sunlight
* C₆H₁₂O₆: Glucose (sugar)
* 6O₂: Six molecules of Oxygen
Key Points:
* Opposite Processes: Notice that the reactants of one process are the products of the other. Cellular respiration takes in glucose and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy. Photosynthesis takes in carbon dioxide and water and uses light energy to produce glucose and oxygen.
* Energy Flow: Cellular respiration releases energy stored in glucose, while photosynthesis captures light energy and stores it in glucose. These processes are essential for life on Earth.
