Photosynthesis -10 pts
Photosynthesis is one of the most important biological events that occur on this planet. It is defined as the process by which plants use solar energy to convert the raw materials carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into glucose (C6H12O6) for use as an energy source. Also during this process, oxygen gas is produced as the byproduct that all aerobically-respiring organisms (such as ourselves) are dependent upon. The general chemical equation for photosynthesis is
________ + _______ + _______ energy -------------> ________ + ______
+ C=O=C + SUN -------> + O=O
LIGHT
Following photosynthesis, the glucose constructed within plant cells can then be used as a source of energy and materials for cellular activities such as growth, reproduction and the synthesis of more complex materials such as starch, proteins, and fats. The existence of all naturally-occurring organic molecules (any molecule containing carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen), and therefore, all sources of energy, can be traced back to the process of photosynthesis.
Using the highlighter tool, highlight the chemicals in both equations above. Be sure to use the following colors for each molecule(s)…
Water Blue
Carbon Dioxide Red
Glucose Green
Oxygen Orange
Sunlight (Energy) Yellow
Respiration -10 pts
Energy is defined as the ability to do work. The cells of all organisms, and therefore, all organisms, require a continuous supply of energy for the performance of their daily, vital activities. Carbohydrates, especially glucose, generally provide this energy through the process of respiration. Simply stated, respiration is the release of energy from energy-storing compounds. It is represented by the chemical equation:
_______ + ________ -----------> _________+ ________+ __________
+ O=O -------> C=O=C + + ATP (ENERGY)
. The catabolic breakdown (burning) of glucose requires the presence of oxygen and yields energy and carbon dioxide. This process is generally the same when any organic molecule is respired (or burned) whether it is glucose in a living animal or plant cell, wood in a fire, or gasoline in a car. The breakdown of any energy storing chemical releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct, which may then be used by plants in the photosynthetic process.
Using the highlighting tool, highlight the chemicals in both equations above. Be sure to use the following colors for each molecule(s)…
Water Blue
Carbon Dioxide Red
Glucose Green
Oxygen Orange
ATP (Energy) Yellow
Analysis Questions: 10 pts (2pts each)
1. What do you notice about the chemical equations of Photosynthesis and Respiration in relation to each other? Please explain.
2. Where does Photosynthesis take place? Why?
3. Where does Respiration take place? Why?
4. How does a plant obtain carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, and how does it enter the plant?
5. How does an animal obtain energy and how does it enter the animal?
Comparing Photosynthesis and Respiration-5 pts
Write in the data table: Input or Output
Photosynthesis Respiration
Energy
Sugar-glucose
Water
Carbon Dioxide
Oxygen
