Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the relationship between cellular respiration and photosynthesis in terms of energy and matter flow?
A
Cellular respiration and photosynthesis both produce glucose as their main product.
B
Photosynthesis releases energy by breaking down glucose, while cellular respiration stores energy by forming glucose.
C
Both processes require oxygen as a reactant and release carbon dioxide as a product.
D
Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, while cellular respiration breaks down glucose and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and ATP.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. Cellular respiration, on the other hand, is the process by which cells break down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP.
Step 2: Analyze the flow of matter in both processes. Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) as reactants to produce glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂). Cellular respiration uses glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) as reactants to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).
Step 3: Examine the flow of energy. Photosynthesis captures light energy and stores it in the chemical bonds of glucose. Cellular respiration releases the energy stored in glucose to produce ATP, which is used by cells for various functions.
Step 4: Compare the two processes. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are complementary processes. Photosynthesis is anabolic (building molecules), while cellular respiration is catabolic (breaking down molecules). The products of one process serve as the reactants for the other, creating a cycle of energy and matter flow.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct description is: Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, while cellular respiration breaks down glucose and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and ATP. This highlights the interdependence of the two processes in the ecosystem.