What is the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration? How are they dependent upon each other?

Answer 1

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are two processes that are closely connected and dependent upon each other.

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. This process produces the energy (in the form of glucose) that is necessary for all living organisms to survive.

Cellular respiration, on the other hand, is the process by which cells break down glucose and oxygen to produce energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This energy is then used by cells to carry out various functions.

The relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration is that they are essentially opposite processes. The products of photosynthesis (glucose and oxygen) are the reactants for cellular respiration, and vice versa. In other words, the products of one process are needed as the reactants for the other process.

Therefore, plants and other organisms that undergo photosynthesis rely on cellular respiration to break down the glucose produced during photosynthesis to release the energy needed for growth, development, and reproduction. Similarly, animals and other organisms that undergo cellular respiration rely on photosynthesis to provide them with the oxygen and glucose needed to carry out this process.

Overall, photosynthesis and cellular respiration are two essential processes that are interconnected and dependent upon each other to sustain life on Earth.