Final answer:
The equations for photosynthesis and cellular respiration are similar as they are the reverse of each other, representing a cyclical relationship that helps maintain oxygen and carbon dioxide levels on Earth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equations for photosynthesis and cellular respiration are similar because they are essentially the reverse of each other. Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. The equation for photosynthesis is:
6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy ⟶ C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
Conversely, cellular respiration uses glucose and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy. The equation for cellular respiration is:
C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ ⟶ 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy
Both processes involve the transfer of energy, the recycling of matter, and are critical in maintaining life on Earth by helping to keep atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide at stable levels. Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy, which is stored in glucose molecules, while cellular respiration releases this stored chemical energy to be used by cells. These processes form a cyclical relationship where the reactants of one process are the products of the other, which contributes to the carbon cycle in the ecosystem.