Chapter 11, Problem 39A

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

Compare photosynthesis to cellular respiration relating both to the body’s energy needs.

Introduction:

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are connected by an important relationship. The equation of cellular respiration is the direct opposite of the photosynthesis equation.

Explanation of Solution

Cellular respiration is the phenomenon in which Living cells break down into glucose molecules and release energy. It utilizes the energy that releases to produce ATP molecules. It occurs in all living organisms, such as autotrophs and heterotrophs.

In humans, cellular respiration starts in the respiratory, and digestive Oxygen is absorbed in the lungs and stored in red blood cells. Food is digested in the intestine and converted into glucose. Oxygen and glucose move into the body through the circulatory system to attain cells that need energy.

The respiratory, circulatory, and digestive system plays a major role in human respiration. Cellular respiration takes place inside the mitochondria of the cells. The cellular respiration can be grouped into three major stages: Glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and electron transport.

Photosynthesis is an anabolic process in which carbon dioxide and energy from ATP and NADPH are used to make glucose. It occurs in the regions of cells called chloroplasts.

Photosynthesis is most important for life on earth because it is the source of oxygen in the atmosphere. Trees and green plants utilize photosynthesis to produce food from carbon dioxide, sunlight, and water in the atmosphere.

In photosynthesis, sunlight is a source of energy, and glucose is used as a source of energy in the cellular respiration process.

Conclusion

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are both part of mutual relationship. Cellular respiration cannot happen without photosynthesis and same condition applies in photosynthesis.