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

• A. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are unrelated processes that occur in different organisms.
• B. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration both produce glucose as their main product.
• C. 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.
• D. Cellular respiration occurs only in plants, while photosynthesis occurs only in animals.

Answer: (C)

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: $6_{\mathrm{CO}}+6_H{2}_O\to C_6{H}_{\mathrm{12}}{O}_6+6_O{2}_O$. Cellular respiration can be represented as: $C_6{H}_{\mathrm{12}}{O}_6+6_O{2}_O\to 6_{\mathrm{CO}}+6_H{2}_O+\mathrm{ATP}$.
3. Step 3: Compare the inputs and outputs of both processes. Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide and water as inputs and produces glucose and oxygen as outputs. Cellular respiration uses glucose and oxygen as inputs and produces carbon dioxide, water, and energy (ATP) as outputs.
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. This creates a cyclical relationship between the two processes.
5. Step 5: Evaluate the given statements in the problem. The correct answer is the one that accurately describes the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration: '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.'