Question

Write equations for respiration and photosynthesis. For each reaction, label the substances that are oxidized and reduced. Why are these reactions important?

Short answer

Respiration: \[\begin{equation}C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{ATP}\text{, glucose oxidized, oxygen reduced.}\text{Photosynthesis: }6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{light energy} \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2\text{, water oxidized, carbon dioxide reduced.}They're important for energy production, recycling of \text{CO}_2 and \text{O}_2, and supporting life.

Step-by-step solution

Write the equation for respiration

The first step is to write down the chemical equation for cellular respiration, which is the process by which cells extract energy from glucose. The equation for cellular respiration is: $$C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6+6O_2\to 6C{O}_2+6H_{2}O+energy\text{(ATP)}$$

Identify the substances being oxidized and reduced in respiration

In the process of respiration, glucose ($$C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$$) is oxidized into carbon dioxide ($$C{O}_2$$), and oxygen ($$O_2$$) is reduced into water ($$H_{2}O$$).

Write the equation for photosynthesis

The second half is to write down the chemical equation for photosynthesis, which is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose using sunlight. The equation for photosynthesis is: $$6C{O}_2+6H_{2}O+lightenergy\to C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6+6O_2$$

Identify the substances being oxidized and reduced in photosynthesis

In the process of photosynthesis, water ($$H_{2}O$$) is oxidized into oxygen ($$O_2$$), and carbon dioxide ($$C{O}_2$$) is reduced to glucose ($$C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$$).

Explain the importance of these reactions

These reactions are crucial because they are complementary. Respiration releases energy that organisms need for survival by breaking down glucose, whereas photosynthesis uses sunlight to produce glucose, which serves as fuel for respiration. Together, these processes form the basis of the majority of life on Earth by recycling oxygen and carbon dioxide and by providing energy and organic matter.

Key concepts

Chemical Equation for Respiration

Understanding the chemical equation for cellular respiration is essential in grasping how living organisms release energy stored in glucose. The overarching reaction can be represented by the chemical equation:

$$C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6+6O_2\to 6C{O}_2+6H_{2}O+\text{energy (ATP)}$$

This equation breaks down the process where glucose ($C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$) is transformed with the help of oxygen ($O_2$) into carbon dioxide ($C{O}_2$), water ($H_{2}O$), and energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the energy currency of cells, which they use to perform vital functions. Simplifying complex reactions into such equations aids students in comprehending the conservation and transformation of matter and energy in biological processes.

Oxidation and Reduction in Metabolism

The concepts of oxidation and reduction are fundamental to understanding cellular respiration and photosynthesis. In metabolism, these processes are interconnected through a series of reactions called redox reactions.

During cellular respiration, glucose is oxidized, meaning it loses electrons, while oxygen is reduced, which means it gains electrons, ultimately forming water. This process can be detailed as:

• Glucose ($C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6$) is oxidized to carbon dioxide ($C{O}_2$).
• Oxygen ($O_2$) is reduced to water ($H_{2}O$).

In the opposing process of photosynthesis, water is oxidized to oxygen, and carbon dioxide is reduced to glucose. By analyzing these processes, students can understand how these redox reactions are involved in energy transfer within cells and how they sustain life by maintaining the balance of oxygen and carbon in the environment.

Photosynthesis Process

Photosynthesis is the life-sustaining process in which plants and some other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy. The equation encapsulating this process is:

$$6C{O}_2+6H_{2}O+\text{light energy}\to C_6{H}_{12}{O}_6+6O_2$$

This process takes place inside the chloroplasts using a green pigment called chlorophyll. By absorbing sunlight, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and release oxygen as a by-product. This glucose serves as an energy source for various organisms. Clarifying the photosynthesis equation for students highlights not only the flow of energy but also the transformation of matter from inorganic to organic, a cornerstone of ecological cycles.

Energy Transformation in Cells

Energy transformation is a crucial aspect of cellular functions, where cells convert energy from one form to another to maintain biological processes.

In cellular respiration, chemical energy in glucose is transformed into ATP, which cells can use to do work. This transformation involves multiple pathways, including glycolysis and the citric acid cycle, leading to the electron transport chain where the bulk of ATP is made.

Conversely, during photosynthesis, cells convert solar energy into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules. These processes illustrate the vitality of energy transformations in sustaining life and demonstrate that understanding such concepts allows students to appreciate the intricate bioenergetics of living organisms.