Final answer:
In the water cycle, respiration and transpiration are biological functions that contribute to the cycle of water through ecosystems. Both are connected to photosynthesis in a biological cycle that supports life and ensures the exchange of gases and energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the water cycle, respiration and transpiration are c. biological functions. These processes play a significant role in the water cycle and the overall balance of ecosystems. Respiration, particularly cellular respiration, involves the breakdown of glucose in the presence of oxygen to release carbon dioxide, water, and energy, represented by the chemical equation C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy. Transpiration is the process by which water is transported from plant roots to the leaves, where it evaporates into the atmosphere, contributing to the water vapor content of the air. Both respiration and transpiration are essential to the biological cycle that supports life. In combination with photosynthesis, these processes function in cyclical harmony to maintain the water balance and enable organisms to access life-sustaining energy. The carbon dioxide produced by respiration is used in photosynthesis, just as the oxygen produced by photosynthesis is used in respiration. This demonstrates that water is integral to many important biochemical processes that occur in living things.