Monica Feggins
10/28/14
Linkage between Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
The link between photosynthesis and cellular respiration is an inverse relationship. Each cycle depends on one another in order for the "entire cycle" to take place. The completed cycle make certain that life continues to exist on the planet. Both are necessary for living organisms. Photosynthesis is the process by which carbon dioxide is converted into organic compounds from sunlight. Photosynthesis occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria. The process of photosynthesis is also the source of carbon in organic compounds in human bodies, as well as animals. Photosynthesis provides the oxygen for life and for the process of cellular respiration. The simplest way to explain photosynthesis is (Carbon dioxide + light energy → carbohydrates (sugar) + oxygen). Without photosynthesis, humans would cease to exist. Cellular respiration, in contrast, takes glucose (sugar) and other organic compounds oxidizing them to create carbon dioxide. Cellular respiration can be defined as metabolic reactions in organic cells which converts biochemical energy into adenosine triphosphate, better known as ATP. Cellular respiration also releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere allowing plants, algae, and bacteria to process the carbon dioxide back into oxygen. The simplest way to explain Cellular Respiration is (Glucose + 6Oxygen --> 6Carbon Dioxide + 6Water). Photosynthesis and cellular respiration is a life cycle that keeps the natural environmental balance of the earth in place. The cycle of photosynthesis and cellular respiration make one large cycle that tolerates life on the planet. Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration are required to exist in symbiosis. Without photosynthesis, cellular respiration cannot occur, and without cellular respiration, photosynthesis cannot occur.