Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration: a Comparison

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration are inverse reactions of each other.

They are opposites.

Photosynthesis
Phase 1 (light dependent reaction)
Begins with light energy (sunlight)
Light energy triggers the breakdown of water and carbon dioxide into ATP and NADPH
This process is called the Light Dependent Reaction, also known as, Phase 1

Phase 2 is known as the Calvin Cycle
the ATP and NADPH made in Phase 1 will be used to make glucose and Oxygen
The glucose will be used by the cell as energy or the basis for other larger molecules in the cell
The oxygen will be released into the atmosphere as waste

Photosynthesis is an anaerobic process. That means it DOES NOT require oxygen

Cellular Respiration
Cellular Respiration has two parts; glycolysis and the Krebs cycle

Glycolysis
When the cell breaks down glucose it makes two molecules of ATP and two molecules NADH for one glucose molecule
This allows the cell to take the energy (ATP) out of the glucose and begin the process of creating Carbon Dioxide waste
Glycolysis begins with an inhale

Kreb Cycle
In the presence of oxygen, the Kreb cycle will transport pyruvate and convert it into carbon dioxide waste
This cycle will create 2 molecules of carbon dioxide and 1 molecule of ATP
This cycle is also referred to as the citric acid cycle
Kreb Cycle ends with an exhale

Cellular Respiration is an aerobic process. That means it DOES require oxygen.


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