Question

reflect on the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Discuss how they are co-dependant on each other and how one would be affected by changes in the other. Discuss how changes to either would affect living things.

Answer 1

Cellular respiration is the process of using oxygen in the mitochondria to chemically break down organic molecules such as glucose to release the energy stored in its bonds. In the process molecules of water and carbon dioxide are released as waste products. Some of the energy is used to make Adenosine triphosphate, ATP, from Adenosine diphosphate and phosphate. ATP is the main energy currency of cells.

C6H12O6 + 6O2 --> 6H2O + 6CO2 + ATP.

Photosynthesis, the process by which green plants and certain other organisms transform light energy into chemical energy. During photosynthesis in green plants, light energy is captured and used to convert water, carbon dioxide, and minerals into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds. Photosynthesis,occurs in chloroplast.

6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy = C6H12O6 + 6O2.

Photosynthesis produces glucose and Oxygen. Cellular Respiration produces Carbon Dioxide, water, and ATP. Photosynthesis uses Carbon Dioxide and water, which Cellular Respiration produces. Cellular Respiration uses glucose and oxygen, which Photosynthesis produces. This causes them to be interdependent because one cannot occur without the other.

During the process of respiration lots of carbon dioxide are release to environment which is dangerous. So, plant by the process of photosynthesis use carbondioxide to produce back oxygen which is important gas for our survival. So, if one process donot work then other process will be largely affected.