Question

Carbon is one of the 4 basic building blocks of life on Earth. Without it, life would not be possible. There are two very important reactions that carbon is a large part of; photosynthesis and cellular respiration. As we've talked about in class, each reaction cannot happen without the other one. Using that knowledge, and the knowledge that matter cannot be created or destroyed, answer the following questions:

Part 1: Explain in detail that path a single carbon atom would take as it goes through photosynthesis.

Part 2: Explain in detail that path a single carbon atom would take as it goes through cellular respiration.

Part 3: Explain the relationship between the two reactions.

Please answer each part with a full sentence.

Carbon is one of the 4 basic building blocks of life on Earth. Without it, life would not be possible. There are two very important reactions that carbon is a large part of; photosynthesis and cellular respiration. As we've talked about in class, each reaction cannot happen without the other one. Using that knowledge, and the knowledge that matter cannot be created or destroyed, answer the following questions:

Part 1: Explain in detail that path a single carbon atom would take as it goes through photosynthesis.

Part 2: Explain in detail that path a single carbon atom would take as it goes through cellular respiration.

Part 3: Explain the relationship between the two reactions.

Please answer each part with a full sentence.

Answer 1

In photosynthesis, a carbon atom from CO2 is transformed into part of a glucose molecule, while in cellular respiration, carbon from glucose is oxidized to CO2. Both processes create a cycle that balances carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the atmosphere, essential for life.

Step-by-step explanation:

Path of a Carbon Atom in Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Photosynthesis is the process through which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and light energy into glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2). During this process, a single carbon atom from CO2 becomes part of a glucose molecule. This transformation occurs in the chloroplasts where light energy is used to drive the synthesis of glucose from carbon dioxide and water.

Cellular respiration is the metabolic process in which cells consume oxygen (O2) and glucose (C6H12O6) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and energy. The same carbon atoms that were once a part of a glucose molecule are oxidized and released as carbon dioxide through the mitochondria during this process.

The relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration can be described as a cycle. These processes complement each other; photosynthesis provides the oxygen and glucose necessary for cellular respiration, while cellular respiration provides the carbon dioxide and water necessary for photosynthesis. This cyclical exchange stabilizes levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere, which is vital for sustaining life on Earth.