Chapter 8, Problem 44A

Summary Introduction

To explain:

The relationship between cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

Introduction :

Photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the reaction in which plants synthesize carbohydrates and from carbon dioxide and water with the help of chlorophyll and sunlight.

Cellular respiration: The cellular respiration is the process by which glucose is utilized by the cells to make the energy molecules and in this process, carbon dioxide is generated as the by product.

Explanation of Solution

The photosynthesis is the process, y which the atmospheric carbon is fixed to form the energy molecules, which is glucose. The cellular respiration uses this energy molecule and converts it into carbon dioxide and water. During cellular respiration, the breakdown of the bonds of glucose molecule results in releasing energy, which is stored in form of ATP in the cells.

The photosynthesis provides the glucose to the biological system, without which the cellular respiration cannot be performed. In the aerobic respiration, there is an additional role of oxygen. In this case, oxygen at as terminal electron receptor for the completion of the respiration process. As the oxygen is byproduct of photosynthesis, aerobic respiration is dependent on photosynthesis. In case, oxygen is not released in the process of photosynthesis, the oxygen level in the atmosphere will be depleted resulting in decrease in available oxygen for the cellular respiration to occur.