Understanding Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are two of the most important biochemical processes in living organisms. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy in the form of glucose, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Cellular respiration, on the other hand, is the process by which cells convert glucose into energy in the form of ATP, releasing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.
The Equation for Photosynthesis
The overall equation for photosynthesis is:
6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2
The Equation for Cellular Respiration
The overall equation for cellular respiration is:
C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2 → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + ATP (energy)
Key Concepts and Processes
- Light-dependent reactions: These reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast and involve the conversion of light energy into ATP and NADPH.
- Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle): These reactions occur in the stroma of the chloroplast and involve the conversion of CO2 into glucose using the ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions.
- Glycolysis: The first stage of cellular respiration, in which glucose is converted into pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH.
- Citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle): The second stage of cellular respiration, in which pyruvate is converted into acetyl-CoA, producing ATP, NADH, and FADH2.
- Oxidative phosphorylation: The third stage of cellular respiration, in which the electrons from NADH and FADH2 are passed through a series of electron transport chains, producing a large amount of ATP.
Comparison of Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
| Photosynthesis | Cellular Respiration | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy source | Light energy | Glucose |
| Energy product | ATP and NADPH | ATP |
| Reactants | CO2, H2O | Glucose, O2 |
| Products | Glucose, O2 | CO2, H2O |
🔍 Note: This table summarizes the main differences between photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Worksheet Answer Key
- What is the overall equation for photosynthesis?
Answer: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2
- What is the byproduct of photosynthesis that is released into the atmosphere?
Answer: Oxygen (O2)
- What is the equation for cellular respiration?
Answer: C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2 → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + ATP (energy)
- What is the energy source for photosynthesis?
Answer: Light energy
- What is the energy product of photosynthesis?
Answer: ATP and NADPH
- What is the first stage of cellular respiration?
Answer: Glycolysis
- What is the byproduct of cellular respiration that is released into the atmosphere?
Answer: Carbon dioxide (CO2)
- What is the process by which cells convert glucose into energy in the form of ATP?
Answer: Cellular respiration
What is the main difference between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?
+Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy in the form of glucose, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Cellular respiration, on the other hand, is the process by which cells convert glucose into energy in the form of ATP, releasing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.
What is the equation for photosynthesis?
+6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2
What is the energy source for cellular respiration?
+Glucose
In conclusion, photosynthesis and cellular respiration are two essential biochemical processes that occur in living organisms. Understanding the equations, reactants, products, and energy sources for these processes is crucial for understanding how life sustains itself on Earth.
