Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration Biological Pathways Dr.Timmel

Photosynthesis Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, green algae and some monerans capture light energy and convert it into chemical bond energy. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, green algae and some monerans capture light energy and convert it into chemical bond energy. Another product of photosynthesis is oxygen, which is necessary for aerobic respiration. Another product of photosynthesis is oxygen, which is necessary for aerobic respiration.

The general equation CO 2 + H 2 O + light energy  O 2 + C 6 H 12 O 6 O 2 + C 6 H 12 O 6 Carbon dioxide + Water + light energy  Oxygen + Glucose  Oxygen + Glucose

Plants and life Because of their ability to turn energy into matter, plants are the basis of virtually all food webs on earth. Because of their ability to turn energy into matter, plants are the basis of virtually all food webs on earth. Plants are considered to be producers. Plants are considered to be producers.

When does it happen? As the name implies, photosynthesis can only occur in the presence of light. As the name implies, photosynthesis can only occur in the presence of light. The term photosynthesis literally means, “building the light”. The term photosynthesis literally means, “building the light”. Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells. Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells.

Respiration As we learned, respiration is a life process in which the chemical bond energy in our food is converted into ATP through the process of oxidation. As we learned, respiration is a life process in which the chemical bond energy in our food is converted into ATP through the process of oxidation. Respiration releases the energy stored in chemical bonds. Respiration releases the energy stored in chemical bonds.

The general equation O 2 + C 6 H 12 O 6 O 2 + C 6 H 12 O 6 CO 2 + H 2 O + 36 ATP CO 2 + H 2 O + 36 ATP Oxygen + Glucose Oxygen + Glucose Carbon dioxide + Water + ATP

When does it happen? Respiration happens in all cells all of the time. Respiration happens in all cells all of the time. Cells that do not carry out respiration will die. Cells that do not carry out respiration will die.

Tale of the tape ProcessPhotosynthesis Respiration ProcessPhotosynthesis Respiration ReactantsCO 2 ; H 2 O; light energyC 6 H 12 O 6 ; O 2 ReactantsCO 2 ; H 2 O; light energyC 6 H 12 O 6 ; O 2 ProductsC 6 H 12 O 6 + O 2 CO 2 ; H 2 O; 36 ATP ProductsC 6 H 12 O 6 + O 2 CO 2 ; H 2 O; 36 ATP PlaceChloroplastsMitochondria PlaceChloroplastsMitochondria WhenWhen light is present24/7/365 (always!) WhenWhen light is present24/7/365 (always!) Type of CellPlant; Green Algae; CyanobacteriaAll living cells Type of CellPlant; Green Algae; CyanobacteriaAll living cells