cellular respiration and photosythesis

Question 1

What is Photosynthesis?

Answer 1

• Process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy.
• Occurs in chloroplasts.
• Equation:
  6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Question 2

Two Stages of Photosynthesis

Answer 2

Light-dependent reactions (in thylakoid membranes)
* Split water, release oxygen
* Produce ATP & NADPH

Calvin Cycle / Light-independent reactions (in stroma)
* Use ATP & NADPH to make glucose from CO₂

Question 3

Where does Photosynthesis occur?

Answer 3

• In chloroplasts of plant cells.
• Contains chlorophyll, which captures light energy

Question 4

Why is Photosynthesis important?

Answer 4

• Produces glucose for energy storage.
• Releases oxygen into the atmosphere.
• Basis of most food chains.

Question 5

What is Cellular Respiration?

Answer 5

• Process of breaking down glucose to release energy (ATP).
• Happens in mitochondria of eukaryotic cells.
• Equation:
  C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP

Question 6

Three Main Stages of Cellular Respiration

Answer 6

• Glycolysis (cytoplasm) – glucose → pyruvate + ATP
• Krebs Cycle (mitochondrial matrix) – breaks down pyruvate → CO₂ + ATP
• Electron Transport Chain (inner mitochondrial membrane) – produces most ATP

Question 7

Anaerobic vs. Aerobic Respiration

Answer 7

• Aerobic: uses oxygen; produces ~36 ATP
• Anaerobic: no oxygen; less ATP
• In animals: produces lactic acid
• In yeast: produces ethanol + CO₂ (fermentation)

Question 8

Why is Cellular Respiration important?

Answer 8

• Provides ATP for all cellular activities
• Essential for growth, repair, and maintenance