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Multiple Choice
How are cellular respiration and photosynthesis related in terms of energy and matter transformation?
A
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are unrelated processes occurring in different organisms.
B
Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy, while cellular respiration releases that chemical energy for cellular use.
C
Both processes produce glucose as their main product.
D
Cellular respiration stores energy in glucose molecules, and photosynthesis releases it as heat.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interconnected processes that involve the transformation of energy and matter in living organisms. Begin by understanding the role of each process: photosynthesis captures light energy and converts it into chemical energy stored in glucose, while cellular respiration breaks down glucose to release stored chemical energy for cellular activities.
In photosynthesis, light energy is used to convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂). The chemical equation for photosynthesis can be represented as: .
Cellular respiration is the reverse process of photosynthesis in terms of matter transformation. Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) are used to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), and energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). The chemical equation for cellular respiration is: .
Recognize the energy transformation: photosynthesis stores energy from sunlight in glucose molecules, while cellular respiration releases that stored energy by breaking down glucose to produce ATP, which is used for cellular functions. This demonstrates how energy flows through ecosystems.
Understand the matter cycling: photosynthesis removes CO₂ from the atmosphere and produces O₂, while cellular respiration uses O₂ and releases CO₂ back into the atmosphere. This cycling of matter ensures a balance between the two processes in ecosystems.