Think about photosynthesis and cellular respiration. For each description, determine whether it applies only to photosynthesis, only to cellular respiration, or both photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Question

involves at least one chemical reaction
rearranges carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms
occurs in cells in green plants
occurs in cells in animals
produces glucose that can be stored for later use
uses glucose as a source of energy

Answer 1

Here’s how each description applies to photosynthesis, cellular respiration, or both:

1. Involves at least one chemical reaction: Both (Both processes involve multiple chemical reactions.)

2. Rearranges carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms: Both (Both processes involve the rearrangement of these atoms, albeit in different contexts.)

3. Occurs in cells in green plants: Photosynthesis (This process specifically occurs in the chloroplasts of green plants.)

4. Occurs in cells in animals: Cellular respiration (This process occurs in animal cells to produce energy.)

5. Produces glucose that can be stored for later use: Photosynthesis (Photosynthesis produces glucose, which can be stored as starch in plants.)

6. Uses glucose as a source of energy: Cellular respiration (Cellular respiration uses glucose to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.)

To summarize:

• Photosynthesis: 3, 5
• Cellular Respiration: 4, 6
• Both: 1, 2