Overview of Photosynthesis & Respiration
Photosynthesis and respiration are critical processes by which organisms convert energy, with plants making food through photosynthesis and cells releasing energy via respiration, sustaining life across ecosystems. Photosynthesis allows plants to convert sunlight into glucose, while respiration breaks down glucose to produce energy for cellular functions, forming a vital energy cycle that supports growth, survival, and metabolic activities in living organisms.
Differences Between Photosynthesis & Respiration
These processes involve specific steps, reactants, and products that drive energy conversion. Here’s the breakdown:
- Photosynthesis Overview: The process plants use to convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.
- Photosynthesis Reactants & Products: Inputs like carbon dioxide and water, and outputs like glucose and oxygen.
- Respiration Overview: The process cells use to break down glucose and release energy as ATP.
- Respiration Reactants & Products: Inputs like glucose and oxygen, and outputs like carbon dioxide and water.
Examples of Photosynthesis vs Respiration
Photosynthesis Overview Examples
- Plants absorb sunlight in chloroplasts to produce glucose.
- Algae in a pond perform photosynthesis to grow.
- Trees convert light energy into chemical energy for food.
- Cyanobacteria use photosynthesis to sustain aquatic ecosystems.
Photosynthesis Reactants & Products Examples
- Reactants: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) in a leaf.
- Products: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) as energy for a plant.
- Products: Oxygen (O₂) released into the air by a tree.
- Equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.
Respiration Overview Examples
- Muscle cells break down glucose during exercise for energy.
- Yeast cells respire to produce energy in fermentation.
- Brain cells use respiration to power neural activity.
- Plant cells respire at night to support growth.
Respiration Reactants & Products Examples
- Reactants: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) in a lung cell.
- Products: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) exhaled by a human.
- Products: Water (H₂O) as a byproduct in a muscle cell.
- Equation: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP.