Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are key processes in the carbon cycle. During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and use it to produce glucose and oxygen, effectively removing carbon from the air. In contrast, cellular respiration occurs in plants and animals, where glucose is broken down to release energy, producing carbon dioxide as a byproduct. This carbon dioxide is then released back into the atmosphere, thus completing the cycle. Together, these processes maintain a balance of carbon in the ecosystem, with photosynthesis capturing carbon and cellular respiration returning it.
A fellow student is studying the differences between photosynthesis and cellular respiration. The student asks you to explain how cellular respiration uniquely contributes to the carbon cycle. In 3–5 sentences, describe the different ways that both photosynthesis and cellular respiration contribute to the carbon cycle. short and simple.
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Photosynthesis captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to create glucose in plants, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. Cellular respiration, occurring in both plants and animals, breaks down glucose to release energy, producing carbon dioxide that returns to the atmosphere. Together, these processes maintain the carbon cycle by cycling carbon between the atmosphere and living organisms.
The chemical equation for photosynthesis:
6CO2+6H2O→C6H12O6+6O2
suggests that blowing on a glass of water placed in a sunbeam will produce glucose and oxygen. Compare the chemical equation to the actual process of photosynthesis and explain why no reaction will occur if someone were to blow on a glass of water in a sunbeam. Explain your answer in 1–2 sentences.(2 points)
6CO2+6H2O→C6H12O6+6O2
suggests that blowing on a glass of water placed in a sunbeam will produce glucose and oxygen. Compare the chemical equation to the actual process of photosynthesis and explain why no reaction will occur if someone were to blow on a glass of water in a sunbeam. Explain your answer in 1–2 sentences.(2 points)
Blowing on a glass of water introduces carbon dioxide, but photosynthesis requires more than just CO2 and sunlight; it also needs chlorophyll found in plant leaves to capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy. The glass of water lacks the necessary biological structures and chlorophyll to facilitate the photosynthetic reaction, so no glucose or oxygen will be produced.
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