Write down the equations of both cellular respiration and photosynthesis. Describe where each of these processes takes place and what reactions are involved. Do some research into how animals and plants perform these processes and what benefits they derive from them. Then identify how carbon is cycled, and relate that to the global carbon cycle. Investigate how human impacts are changing the carbon cycle, and what, if any, impact it has on the two processes.

Question

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Answer 1

Equations

Cellular Respiration: The overall chemical equation for cellular respiration can be summarized as follows: \[ \text{C}{6}\text{H}{12}\text{O}{6} + 6\text{O}{2} \rightarrow 6\text{CO}{2} + 6\text{H}{2}\text{O} + \text{ATP} \]

• Reactants: Glucose (C6H12O6) and Oxygen (O2)
• Products: Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Water (H2O), and Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

Photosynthesis: The overall equation for photosynthesis can be expressed as: \[ 6\text{CO}{2} + 6\text{H}{2}\text{O} + \text{light energy} \rightarrow \text{C}{6}\text{H}{12}\text{O}{6} + 6\text{O}{2} \]

• Reactants: Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Water (H2O), and light energy
• Products: Glucose (C6H12O6) and Oxygen (O2)

Locations of Processes

Cellular Respiration:

• Cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells (plants, animals, fungi) and in the cytoplasm in prokaryotes (bacteria).
• It consists of three main stages: Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm, the Krebs cycle happens in the mitochondrial matrix, and the Electron Transport Chain takes place in the inner mitochondrial membrane.

Photosynthesis:

• Photosynthesis occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells, specifically within the thylakoid membranes and stroma.
• It involves two main stages: The light-dependent reactions (occurring in the thylakoid membranes) and the Calvin Cycle (occurring in the stroma).

Reactions Involved

In Cellular Respiration:

1. Glycolysis: Splitting glucose into two molecules of pyruvate, producing a small amount of ATP and NADH.
2. Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle): Further breakdown of pyruvate into carbon dioxide, and production of NADH, FADH2, and ATP.
3. Electron Transport Chain: A series of proteins that use electrons from NADH and FADH2 to create a proton gradient, generating a large amount of ATP and water as a byproduct.

In Photosynthesis:

1. Light-dependent Reactions: Capture light energy to produce NADPH and ATP; water is split, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.
2. Calvin Cycle: Uses ATP and NADPH to convert carbon dioxide into glucose through a series of reactions.

Carbon Cycling

Carbon cycling refers to the movement of carbon in its various forms throughout the environment, ecosystems, and living organisms. The global carbon cycle involves processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and combustion.

• In photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, converting it into glucose and oxygen.
• In cellular respiration, both plants and animals convert glucose back into carbon dioxide to release energy, returning carbon to the atmosphere.

Human Impact on the Carbon Cycle

Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and intensive agriculture, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle. This increases the concentration of greenhouse gases, especially CO2, in the atmosphere, leading to climate change.

1. Burning Fossil Fuels: Releases large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, which is sourced from ancient carbon stored in the Earth.
2. Deforestation: Reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO2, thus decreasing photosynthesis and increasing atmospheric carbon.

Impact on Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Increased atmospheric CO2 can initially enhance photosynthesis, as CO2 is a raw material for the process. However, as climate change progresses, factors like temperature extremes, altered precipitation patterns, and habitat loss can negatively affect plant growth and, hence, their ability to photosynthesize effectively.

Conversely, organisms involved in cellular respiration may face challenges such as habitat degradation and altered food availability due to human impacts on ecosystems, impacting their energy production and survival.

Conclusion

Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration are essential biological processes that drive energy flow and matter cycling in ecosystems. The global carbon cycle is profoundly affected by human activities, which alters these processes and poses significant challenges for biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Understanding these dynamics is critical for mitigating the impacts of climate change and promoting sustainability.