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 is the name given to the types of organisms that can use photosynthesis to produce glucose? In addition, provide THREE specific examples..
What is the name given to the types of organisms that exclusively use aerobic cellular respiration to break down glucose to produce ATP for energy? In addition, provide THREE 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 chemical reactions that require enzymes to function. Briefly, explain two (ONLY TWO) attributes of enzymes in catalyzing chemical reactions and in metabolic pathways.

how can i get the homework help forum posted by tammy on fri. june 12 2009

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the filled chart for photosynthesis and aerobic cellular respiration

can cellular respiration and photosynthesis create both matter and energy?

To complete the table comparing and contrasting photosynthesis and aerobic cellular respiration, you will need to download the provided table and fill in the information. The following explanations will help you understand each aspect:

1. Full balanced equation:
For photosynthesis, the balanced equation is:
6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2
For aerobic cellular respiration, the balanced equation is:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP

2. Reactants:
Photosynthesis requires carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) as reactants.
Aerobic cellular respiration requires glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) as reactants.

3. Products:
Photosynthesis produces glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) as products.
Aerobic cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and ATP as products.

4. Endergonic or Exergonic:
Photosynthesis is an endergonic reaction because it requires energy from sunlight to proceed.
Aerobic cellular respiration is an exergonic reaction because it releases energy during the process.

5. Energy source used:
Photosynthesis uses light energy from the sun.
Aerobic cellular respiration uses the chemical energy stored in glucose.

6. Cell organelles involved in the reaction:
Photosynthesis takes place primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
Aerobic cellular respiration takes place in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells.

7. Role of ATP in the reaction:
In photosynthesis, ATP is generated during the light-dependent reactions and is used as an energy source during the light-independent reactions.
In aerobic cellular respiration, ATP is produced as a result of the breakdown of glucose, and it serves as the primary energy carrier molecule within cells.

Now, moving on to Part 2:

1. The organisms that can use photosynthesis to produce glucose are called autotrophs or photoautotrophs. Three examples of such organisms are plants, algae, and cyanobacteria.

2. The organisms that exclusively use aerobic cellular respiration to break down glucose and produce ATP are called heterotrophs or chemoheterotrophs. Three examples of such organisms are animals, fungi, and most bacteria.

3. If oxygen is lacking, some cells can meet their energy needs through fermentation. Fermentation is a type of anaerobic respiration that does not require oxygen. Examples of cells that can perform fermentation are some types of bacteria, certain yeast, and muscle cells during intense exercise.

4. Enzymes play crucial roles in catalyzing chemical reactions and metabolic pathways. Two attributes of enzymes in these processes are:

a. Enzymes are highly specific: Enzymes have a specific shape that allows them to bind to particular substrates. This specificity allows enzymes to catalyze specific reactions in metabolic pathways, ensuring the correct reactions occur in the appropriate sequence.

b. Enzymes are reusable: Enzymes are not consumed during the reactions they catalyze. Once the reaction is complete, the enzyme can be used again to catalyze additional reactions. This ability to be reused makes enzymes efficient in facilitating numerous metabolic processes.