Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

9. Photosynthesis

Introduction to Photosynthesis

General Biology

9. Photosynthesis

Introduction to Photosynthesis

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1:49 minutes

Problem 10

Textbook Question

Compare and describe the roles of CO₂ and H₂O in cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the processes: Cellular respiration and photosynthesis are complementary biological processes. Cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria of cells and breaks down glucose to produce energy (ATP), while photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plants and some other organisms to produce glucose using light energy.

Role of CO2 in photosynthesis: In photosynthesis, carbon dioxide (CO2) is a reactant. It is taken in by plants and used in the Calvin cycle to produce glucose (C6H12O6). The general equation for photosynthesis is:

6CO 2 + 6H 2 O + light → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O 2

Role of H2O in photosynthesis: Water (H2O) is also a reactant in photosynthesis. It is split during the light-dependent reactions to release oxygen (O2) as a byproduct and provide electrons and protons for the production of energy carriers like ATP and NADPH.

Role of CO2 in cellular respiration: In cellular respiration, CO2 is a product. It is released during the breakdown of glucose in the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle) as glucose is oxidized to produce energy. The general equation for cellular respiration is:

C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O 2 → 6CO 2 + 6H 2 O + ATP

Role of H2O in cellular respiration: Water (H2O) is a product of cellular respiration. It is formed when oxygen (O2) acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, combining with electrons and protons to form water. This step is crucial for the generation of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration is a metabolic process in which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. This process occurs in three main stages: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. It is essential for producing ATP, the energy currency of the cell, and plays a crucial role in maintaining cellular functions.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, using carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. This process occurs mainly in the chloroplasts and involves two stages: the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle. Photosynthesis is vital for producing organic compounds and oxygen, supporting life on Earth.

Role of CO2 and H2O

In cellular respiration, carbon dioxide is a byproduct of glucose breakdown, while water is produced during the electron transport chain. In contrast, during photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water are reactants that, through a series of reactions, are transformed into glucose and oxygen. Thus, CO2 and H2O serve as essential substrates in photosynthesis and as products in cellular respiration, highlighting their interconnected roles in the ecosystem.