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How are Photosynthesis and Respiration Related?

Answer – Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are related with respect to the energy flow involved in both (glucose and ATP), gas exchange occurring within these processes (oxygen and carbon dioxide), and chemical reactions.

Explanation: 

Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interdependent and complementary to each other. Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, while cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria of both plant and animal cells.

A diagram showcasing the flow of reactions occurring within cellular respiration and photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interdependent

Energy flow: Photosynthesis converts sunlight energy into glucose, which is used as a reactant for cellular respiration, where it is further broken down to release energy (ATP).

Gas exchange: Oxygen is a byproduct of photosynthesis, which is consumed in cellular respiration. Carbon dioxide, which is produced in cellular respiration, is consumed in photosynthesis, thus establishing a complementary gas-exchange relationship.

Chemical reactions: The products of photosynthesis (glucose and oxygen) are the reactants of cellular respiration. Conversely, the products of cellular respiration (carbon dioxide and water) are the reactants of photosynthesis.

Reactions:

  • Photosynthesis: 6CO2 (carbon dioxide) + 6H2O (water) + sunlight → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6O2 (oxygen)
  • Cellular respiration: C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP energy

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