Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration | Study Guide

University:
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Course:
BIOL-104 | Cell Biology
Academic year:

2022
Views:

322

Pages:

2
Author:

opisivanetmi

Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration ➔ Photosynthesis is a process performed by plants and algae (not animals) ◆ In this process, plants use sunlight energy to combine carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and food for the plants (sugar/glucose) ◆ Takes place in the chloroplasts ◆ Formula ● Carbon dioxide + Water + Sunlight → Oxygen + Sugar ● Therefore, plants and trees help us breathe because when they undergo photosynthesis, they release oxygen ○ When herbivores (plant-eating animals) eat plants, they consume some of the sugar that the plants make during photosynthesis ➔ Cellular Respiration is performed by many more organisms, including animals, algae, and plants ◆ In this process, glucose is broken down in the presence of oxygen to form carbon dioxide, water, and energy (ATP energy) ◆ Takes place in the mitochondria ◆ Formula ● Glucose + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide + Water + ATP Energy ➔ As you may see, the equations of photosynthesis and cellular respiration are directly opposite ◆ For instance, the oxygen produced in photosynthesis must be used in cellular respiration ➔ An important takeaway is that photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while cellular respiration adds carbon dioxide back to the atmosphere