How are PHOTOSYNTHESIS and
CELLULAR RESPIRATION related?
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are two complementary processes that occur in living organisms. They are related in the following ways:
1. Exchange of gases: Photosynthesis takes in carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, while cellular respiration takes in oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. This exchange of gases allows for the continuous cycling of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the environment.
2. Energy flow: Photosynthesis converts sunlight into chemical energy in the form of glucose, which is a high-energy molecule. Cellular respiration then breaks down glucose to release energy in a usable form, ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The energy captured during photosynthesis is utilized during cellular respiration for various cellular activities.
3. Usage of products: The products of photosynthesis, such as glucose and oxygen, are utilized as inputs for cellular respiration. Glucose is broken down to release energy, and oxygen is used as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain during cellular respiration.
4. Relationship in plants and algae: Photosynthesis predominantly occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells and algae, while cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria of these organisms. The products of photosynthesis are used as inputs for cellular respiration, creating a symbiotic relationship between the two processes.
Overall, photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interconnected processes that work together to sustain life. The products and reactants of one process serve as inputs for the other, ensuring a continuous flow of energy and exchange of gases in living organisms.