Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

What is Photosynthesis? The process of photosynthesis is a chemical reaction. It is the most important chemical reaction on our planet. The oxygen released during photosynthesis is necessary for all living things.

Photosynthesis converts sun energy into chemical energy usable by cells The chemical energy produced is glucose (sugar)

Why is this important to us? We cannot make our own food (glucose, energy), we must get our food from plants. Energy enters an ecosystem through plants

Chemical Energy Producer: an organisms capable of making their own food for example plants Consumers: must take in energy from other organisms i.e. animals

What is Cellular Respiration? Organisms change chemical energy from plants into a a form that can be used by the organism. The release of chemical energy for use by cells.

What happens in Cellular Respiration? Glucose (sugar) is broken down to release energy Takes place in all living things

Chemical equation for cellular respiration?

Do both plants and animals perform cellular respiration?

Connection between Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration The processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration are complementary processes, meaning they work together to benefit living organisms

Connection between Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration The formula for cellular respiration is the exact opposite of the one for photosynthesis. light Photosynthesis CO2 + H2O C6H12O6 + O2 Cellular Respiration O2 + C6H12O6 CO2 + H2O + Energy