Photosynthesis:
* Inputs: Carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), and sunlight energy
* Outputs: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂)
* Equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + sunlight energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
Cellular Respiration:
* Inputs: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂)
* Outputs: Carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), and ATP (energy)
* Equation: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP
Relationship:
* Opposite Processes: Photosynthesis uses light energy to build glucose from carbon dioxide and water. Cellular respiration breaks down glucose with oxygen to release energy (ATP).
* Cycling of Matter: The products of photosynthesis are the reactants of cellular respiration, and vice versa. This demonstrates the interconnectedness of living things and their environment.
* Energy Flow: Photosynthesis captures light energy and stores it in the chemical bonds of glucose. Cellular respiration releases this stored energy in a usable form (ATP).
Summary:
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are complementary processes that sustain life on Earth. Photosynthesis captures energy from sunlight and stores it in glucose, while cellular respiration releases that energy to power the activities of living organisms.
