Final answer:
Organisms that conduct photosynthesis also carry out cellular respiration. These complementary processes involve converting CO2 and water into oxygen and glucose during photosynthesis, and then using these products to create ATP through cellular respiration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Organisms that perform photosynthesis also perform cellular respiration. This is true because photosynthesis and cellular respiration are complementary processes. Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose (a carbohydrate), while cellular respiration uses oxygen and glucose to produce carbon dioxide, water, and ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency of the cell.
Plants, algae, and some bacteria are capable of both photosynthesis and cellular respiration. During the day, these organisms use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into organic compounds like glucose through photosynthesis. They then use the glucose they've produced, along with the oxygen that was generated, to produce ATP during cellular respiration. This energy is essential for driving the cell's various functions.
Equations of Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
The equations for both processes highlight the cycling of materials: photosynthesis takes in CO2 and releases O2, while cellular respiration takes in O2 and releases CO2. The glucose produced by photosynthesis provides the energy needed for the process of cellular respiration. Thus, the relationship between the two equations is direct and complementary, ensuring that atmospheric oxygen and carbon dioxide levels remain stable.