Final answer:
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are a cycle where the outputs of one process are used as the inputs for the other. In photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, while in cellular respiration, glucose and oxygen are used to generate ATP, releasing carbon dioxide and water as waste products.
Step-by-step explanation:
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration can be thought of as a cycle because the outputs of one process are used as the inputs for the other process. In photosynthesis, plants use carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen:
6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
In cellular respiration, the glucose and oxygen produced in photosynthesis are used to generate energy in the form of ATP, and carbon dioxide and water are released as waste products:
C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP
This cycle ensures a continuous flow of energy and matter in ecosystems.
Learn more about Photosynthesis and cellular respiration cycle