Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Cycles

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

All living organisms require energy to survive. Plant and animal ecosystems maintain life through two complementary biochemical cycles.

1. Photosynthesis

Occurs inside the chloroplasts of plant cells: $$\text{Carbon Dioxide} + \text{Water} + \text{Light Energy} \longrightarrow \text{Glucose} + \text{Oxygen}$$ $$6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{energy} \longrightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$$

2. Cellular Respiration

Occurs inside the mitochondria of both plant and animal cells: $$\text{Glucose} + \text{Oxygen} \longrightarrow \text{Carbon Dioxide} + \text{Water} + \text{ATP (Energy)}$$ $$C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \longrightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{ATP}$$

Notice that the products of photosynthesis are the exact inputs for cellular respiration.