which statement is true about photosynthesis and cellular respiration?
Which statement is true about photosynthesis and cellular respiration?
Answer: Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are complementary processes that sustain life on Earth. Here’s how they relate:
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Energy Conversion:
- Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. This process occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria.
- Cellular Respiration converts the chemical energy in glucose into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which cells use for energy. This process occurs in nearly all living organisms.
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Gas Exchange:
- Photosynthesis takes in carbon dioxide (CO₂) and releases oxygen (O₂) as a by-product.
- Cellular Respiration consumes oxygen (O₂) and releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a by-product.
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Location:
- Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
- Cellular Respiration occurs in the mitochondria of both plant and animal cells.
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Equation:
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Photosynthesis:
6CO_2 + 6H_2O + light \ energy \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 -
Cellular Respiration:
C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + ATP
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Summary: Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interconnected processes. Photosynthesis generates glucose and oxygen, which are then used in cellular respiration to produce energy (ATP), releasing carbon dioxide and water as by-products.