Which statement best describes the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

• A. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration both require sunlight as their primary energy source.
• B. Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, while cellular respiration breaks down glucose and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
• C. Cellular respiration produces glucose, which is then used by photosynthesis to generate ATP.
• D. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are unrelated processes that occur in different organisms.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. Cellular respiration is the process by which organisms break down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP.
2. Step 2: Analyze the chemical equations for both processes. Photosynthesis can be represented as: $6_{\mathrm{CO}}+6_H{2}_O\to C_6{H}_{\mathrm{12}}{O}_6+6_O{2}_{}$. Cellular respiration can be represented as: $C_6{H}_{\mathrm{12}}{O}_6+6_O{2}_{}\to 6_{\mathrm{CO}}+6_H{2}_O+\mathrm{ATP}$.
3. Step 3: Compare the inputs and outputs of both processes. Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen, while cellular respiration uses glucose and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and ATP.
4. Step 4: Recognize the interdependence between the two processes. Photosynthesis provides the glucose and oxygen needed for cellular respiration, while cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide and water, which are used in photosynthesis.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct statement is: 'Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, while cellular respiration breaks down glucose and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy.' This highlights the complementary nature of these processes in the energy cycle of living organisms.