Compare and contrast the equation for aerobic respiration with the equation for photosynthesis. (Give similarities and differences between the two equations)
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Equations
Photosynthesis:
6CO2+6H2O+light energy→C6H12O6+6O2\text{6CO}_2 + \text{6H}_2\text{O} + \text{light energy} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + \text{6O}_2
Aerobic Respiration:
C6H12O6+6O2→6CO2+6H2O+energy (ATP)\text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + \text{6O}_2 \rightarrow \text{6CO}_2 + \text{6H}_2\text{O} + \text{energy (ATP)}
Similarities
- Involvement of the Same Molecules:
Both processes use and produce the same molecules: carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), oxygen (O₂), and glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆). - Energy Transformation:
Both processes involve the transformation of energy. Photosynthesis stores solar energy in chemical bonds of glucose, while respiration releases energy stored in glucose for cellular functions. - Biochemical Pathways:
Both processes occur in specific organelles: photosynthesis in chloroplasts and respiration in mitochondria. - Redox Reactions:
Both involve redox reactions—photosynthesis reduces CO₂ to glucose, and respiration oxidizes glucose to CO₂.
Differences
- Direction of Energy Flow:
Photosynthesis is an endothermic process—it requires energy (sunlight), while aerobic respiration is exothermic—it releases energy (in the form of ATP). - Reactants and Products:
The reactants of one process are the products of the other. Photosynthesis uses CO₂ and H₂O to produce glucose and O₂, while respiration uses glucose and O₂ to produce CO₂ and H₂O. - Purpose:
Photosynthesis stores energy in glucose, primarily for autotrophs (e.g., plants), while respiration releases energy from glucose for use in all living cells (both autotrophs and heterotrophs). - Location:
Photosynthesis occurs only in cells with chloroplasts (mostly plants), while respiration occurs in the mitochondria of almost all eukaryotic cells.
Conclusion (300-word Explanation)
Photosynthesis and aerobic respiration are complementary biochemical processes essential to life on Earth. While they involve many of the same molecules, they function in opposite directions and serve different purposes.
Photosynthesis is a process used by plants, algae, and some bacteria to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight. This process takes place in the chloroplasts and requires light energy to drive the chemical reactions. The overall equation for photosynthesis is:
6CO2+6H2O+light energy→C6H12O6+6O26CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{light energy} \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2
In contrast, aerobic respiration is the process by which most organisms, including animals and plants, convert glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and energy in the form of ATP. This occurs in the mitochondria of cells. Its equation is:
C6H12O6+6O2→6CO2+6H2O+ATP energyC_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{ATP energy}
These equations are essentially the reverse of each other. Photosynthesis captures and stores energy, while respiration releases that energy for use in cellular processes. The glucose made during photosynthesis is used as a fuel in respiration. Oxygen, a by-product of photosynthesis, is required for aerobic respiration, and the CO₂ and H₂O produced in respiration are the raw materials for photosynthesis. This forms a biological cycle between plants and animals.
Thus, while these two processes differ in function, location, and energy direction, they are deeply interconnected and vital for maintaining the balance of life on Earth.
