Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis co-exist as paired metabolic processes.
Photosynthesis uses light energy to convert carbon dioxide into glucose, a simple sugar, in two steps, the light dependent and light independent reactions. Oxygen is produced as a by product during photosynthesis. This reaction stores energy in the chemical bonds of glucose.
Sugar and other carbohydrates are used as fuel sources by cells. During the process of Aerobic Cellular Respiration, glucose is broken down using oxygen. This reaction releases energy which is used to create ATP molecules, the energy carrier molecule of cells. The process also releases Carbon Dioxide as a byproduct.
Part 1: Download and fill out this table to compare and contrast Photosynthesis and Aerobic Cellular Respiration. You will submit the completed table for Part 1.
Click here for a copy of the table.
Photosynthesis
Aerobic Cellular Respiration
Full balanced equation
Reactants
Products
Is this reaction endergonic or exergonic? State which one it is.
Energy source used
Cell organelles involved in the reaction
Role of ATP in the reaction
Part 2: After completing the table you will have a basic understanding of these two complementary metabolic processes. Using what you have learned, and additional reference information, answer the following questions.
What are the names for the types of organisms that can use Photosynthesis to produce glucose? Provide specific examples.
What are the names for the types of organisms that can use Aerobic Cellular Respiration to break down glucose to produce ATP? Provide specific examples.
If oxygen is lacking, how might cells meet their energy needs through fermentation? Explain and give some examples of cells that can do this.
Both photosynthesis and aerobic cellular respiration are examples of complex metabolic pathways, consisting of many linked reactions. Briefly, explain the role of enzymes in catalyzing chemical reactions and in metabolic pathways.
To compare and contrast Photosynthesis and Aerobic Cellular Respiration, you can use the table provided in Part 1.
First, you need to download the table and fill it out with the relevant information. Make sure to include the necessary details for each process.
In the "Photosynthesis" column, you will complete the following sections:
1. Full balanced equation: Write the complete equation for photosynthesis, which involves the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
2. Reactants: List the substances (carbon dioxide and water) that are required for photosynthesis.
3. Products: List the substances (glucose and oxygen) that are produced as a result of photosynthesis.
4. Endergonic or exergonic: Determine whether the photosynthesis reaction requires or releases energy.
5. Energy source used: Indicate that light energy is used as the energy source for photosynthesis.
6. Cell organelles involved: Identify the organelles (chloroplasts) where photosynthesis takes place.
7. Role of ATP: Explain that ATP is not directly involved in photosynthesis but is used in subsequent cellular processes.
In the "Aerobic Cellular Respiration" column, you will fill out the same sections but with the relevant information for this process:
1. Full balanced equation: Write the complete equation for aerobic cellular respiration, which involves the breakdown of glucose using oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and ATP.
2. Reactants: List the substances (glucose and oxygen) required for aerobic cellular respiration.
3. Products: List the substances (carbon dioxide, water, and ATP) produced as a result of aerobic cellular respiration.
4. Endergonic or exergonic: Determine whether the aerobic cellular respiration reaction requires or releases energy.
5. Energy source used: Indicate that glucose is used as the energy source for aerobic cellular respiration.
6. Cell organelles involved: Identify the organelles (mitochondria) where aerobic cellular respiration takes place.
7. Role of ATP: Explain that ATP is directly produced during aerobic cellular respiration and serves as the energy carrier molecule for the cell.
Once you have completed the table and have a basic understanding of the two processes, you can proceed to answer the questions in Part 2:
1. Organisms that can use Photosynthesis: The types of organisms that can use photosynthesis to produce glucose are called autotrophs or producers. Examples include green plants, algae, and some bacteria.
2. Organisms that can use Aerobic Cellular Respiration: The types of organisms that can use aerobic cellular respiration to break down glucose and produce ATP are called heterotrophs or consumers. Examples include animals, fungi, and most bacteria.
3. Energy production in the absence of oxygen: In the absence of oxygen, cells can meet their energy needs through a process called fermentation. Different types of cells can perform fermentation, such as muscle cells and some bacteria. In fermentation, glucose is partially broken down, producing small amounts of ATP and byproducts like lactic acid or ethanol.
4. Role of enzymes in metabolic pathways: Enzymes play a crucial role in catalyzing chemical reactions in metabolic pathways. They lower the activation energy needed for a reaction to occur, allowing it to happen more efficiently. Enzymes are specific to certain reactions and facilitate the conversion of reactants to products. In metabolic pathways, enzymes help regulate the sequence and speed of reactions, ensuring that each step occurs at the right time and in the right order. They are essential for the overall functioning of complex metabolic processes like photosynthesis and aerobic cellular respiration.
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