what statement best describes the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration
The relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration can be described as a cyclical and interdependent process. They are both essential processes that occur in living organisms, particularly in plants, to harness and transfer energy.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose (a form of chemical energy) and oxygen. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, primarily in the leaves, using the green pigment chlorophyll. The chemical equation for photosynthesis is:
6 CO2 + 6 H2O + sunlight → C6H12O6 + 6 O2
On the other hand, cellular respiration is the process by which cells release chemical energy from glucose and convert it into a usable form known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It takes place in the mitochondria of cells, including plant cells. The oxygen produced during photosynthesis is crucial for cellular respiration to occur. The chemical equation for cellular respiration is:
C6H12O6 + 6 O2 → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + ATP
Therefore, they are connected in the sense that photosynthesis produces the oxygen and glucose needed for cellular respiration, while cellular respiration produces the carbon dioxide and water needed for photosynthesis. It creates a continuous cycle where the products of one process are the reactants of the other, ensuring the efficient transfer and utilization of energy within organisms.