Photosynthesis & Respiration
Photosynthesis and respiration are important processes in that all living organisms will acquire energy from them. Although plants do photosynthesis to produce food from sunlight, both animals and plants depend on respiration for the release of food. Let's look at the way these processes work!
1. Photosynthesis Equation
Photosynthesis is the process that plants use to manufacture their own food using sunlight, carbon dioxide and water. In plants, it predominantly takes place in the chloroplasts of the cells.
Photosynthesis Equation:
6CO2+6H2O+light energy→C6H12O6+6O2
Explanation:
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) from air and water (H₂O) are incorporated to synthesis glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂).
The process takes place in the chloroplasts, and during the same it involves chlorophyll which absorbs sunlight to drive the reaction.
2. Chloroplasts
The plant cells have the organelles called chloroplasts that specialize in photosynthesis. They have chlorophyll which is the green pigment that can absorb the sun light.
Function:
Absorb light from the sun.
Convert carbon dioxide and water to make glucose and oxygen.
Importance:
Chloroplasts are critical to plants since they synthesize the energy that plants require to grow and continue existing (glucose).
3. Respiration Equation
Respiration refers to the process whereby the cells decompose glucose in order to derive energy for cell activities. This takes place in both plant and animal cell and occurs in the mitochondria.
Respiration Equation:
C6H12O6+6O2→6CO2+6H2O+energy (ATP)
Explanation:
Carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), and energy (ATP - which is used by cells for work) are formed using glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂).
4. Mitochondria
Mitochondria are energy generators of the cell as this is where the cellular respiration takes place. They are found in plants and animal cells.
Function:
Decompose the glucose molecule to release energy.
Produce ATP which cells use for various functions such as growth, repair, movement among others.
Importance:
Mitochondria are very necessary for the conversion of stored energy (from food) into usable one for the cell and its life.