Cellular respiration and photosynthesis are two fundamental biological processes that sustain life on Earth, and they are almost opposite in their functions and products.
Photosynthesis occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria, where they convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight as energy. The overall chemical equation can be summarized as:
6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2
This process captures energy from sunlight and stores it in the form of glucose, which can be used by the plant as food.
On the other hand, cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose and oxygen to produce energy. This occurs in the mitochondria of all living organisms, including plants and animals. The overall chemical equation for cellular respiration is:
C6H12O6 + 6 O2 → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + ATP
In this process, glucose is converted back into carbon dioxide and water while releasing energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is used by cells to perform various functions.
In summary, photosynthesis captures and stores energy, releasing oxygen as a byproduct, while cellular respiration releases energy by breaking down glucose and producing carbon dioxide and water. This intricate relationship shows how these two processes complement each other and maintain the balance of life in our ecosystem.