Write down the equations for photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Write a paragraph describing where these processes happen. Talk about the reason for these processes, how the equations are connected and how matter and energy are conserved in both photosynthesis and respiration.

Answer 1

Equations:

Photosynthesis: \[ 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + light \ energy \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \]

Cellular Respiration: \[ C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + ATP \]

Paragraph: Photosynthesis occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water are converted into glucose and oxygen. This process is crucial for plants as it allows them to produce their own food while also releasing oxygen, which is vital for the survival of aerobic organisms. Cellular respiration takes place in the mitochondria of both plant and animal cells, where glucose and oxygen are used to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the cell, along with carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. These two processes are interconnected; photosynthesis produces glucose and oxygen that serve as the raw materials for cellular respiration, while respiration produces carbon dioxide and water that are utilized in photosynthesis. Together, they illustrate the conservation of matter and energy: in photosynthesis, energy from sunlight is stored in the chemical bonds of glucose, while in respiration, that stored energy is released to fuel cellular activities. The cyclic nature of these processes ensures that matter is recycled, maintaining ecological balance within ecosystems.