Question

What is the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration

They are identical processes
They are opposite processes
they are not related

Answers

GPT-4o mini
The correct answer is: **They are opposite processes.**

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interconnected but serve opposite functions.

- **Photosynthesis** occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria, where sunlight is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The overall equation is:
\[
\text{6 CO}_2 + \text{6 H}_2\text{O} \xrightarrow{\text{light}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + \text{6 O}_2
\]

- **Cellular respiration** is a process that occurs in cells of all living organisms (including plants) where glucose and oxygen are used to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy (ATP). The overall equation is:
\[
\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + \text{6 O}_2 \rightarrow \text{6 CO}_2 + \text{6 H}_2\text{O} + \text{energy (ATP)}
\]

In summary, photosynthesis captures energy and stores it in glucose, while cellular respiration releases that stored energy for use by the cell.