Photosynthesis and Cellular Resp x + com/courses/134271/assignments/2663258?module_item_id=6259810 AMOEBA SISTERS: VIDEO RECAP PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND CELLULAR RESPIRATION COMPARISON Amoeba Sisters Video Recap: “Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration” NOTE: This recap compares two Amoeba Sisters videos: photosynthesis and cellular respiration. 1. In photosynthesis, what are the two major reactions that take place? Cooking with Photosynthesis! 2. Where do each of these reactions take place? 3. In aerobic cellular respiration, what three major steps are involved? 4. Where do each of these three major steps take place (for eukaryotes)? Formula Illustrations For the following formulas, (1) determine whether the formula is photosynthesis or cellular respiration, (2) circle the products, and (3) creatively illustrate each reactant or product in the box underneath. 5. Formula is for: 6CO
- 6H
O LIGHT
C
H
O - 6O
63
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
1. The two major reactions in photosynthesis are:
- Light-dependent reactions
- Light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle)
2. Locations of each reaction:
- Light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts.
- Light-independent reactions occur in the stroma of the chloroplasts.
3. The three major steps in aerobic cellular respiration are:
- Glycolysis
- Krebs Cycle (also called the Citric Acid Cycle)
- Electron Transport Chain (ETC)
4. Locations of each step in eukaryotes:
- Glycolysis occurs in the cytoplasm.
- Krebs Cycle occurs in the mitochondrial matrix.
- Electron Transport Chain occurs in the inner mitochondrial membrane.
5. Formula analysis:
- The formula 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ is for photosynthesis.
- The products are glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂).
Explanation
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are complementary biochemical processes essential to life. Photosynthesis occurs in plant cells and uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. It begins with light-dependent reactions where chlorophyll absorbs sunlight and splits water molecules to release oxygen. This stage produces ATP and NADPH, which fuel the second part, the light-independent reactions. These occur in the stroma and use ATP, NADPH, and carbon dioxide to synthesize glucose.
In contrast, cellular respiration is how cells release energy stored in glucose. In glycolysis, which takes place in the cytoplasm, glucose is broken down into pyruvate, yielding a small amount of energy. If oxygen is present, the process continues with the Krebs Cycle in the mitochondria, producing electron carriers. These carriers move to the Electron Transport Chain, which creates a proton gradient that generates a large yield of ATP. Oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor, forming water as a byproduct.
The photosynthesis equation is the reverse of cellular respiration. In photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water yield glucose and oxygen using light energy. In respiration, glucose and oxygen are used to release chemical energy, producing carbon dioxide and water.
This tight coupling between the two processes creates a balance in ecosystems, as plants produce the oxygen and glucose animals need, and animals produce the carbon dioxide and water plants require. This biological cycle sustains energy flow and matter recycling across living systems.
