How are the reactions of photosynthesis and cellular respiration interconnected?

• A. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration occur simultaneously in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
• B. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration both produce glucose as their main product.
• C. Photosynthesis produces oxygen and glucose, which are used in cellular respiration to generate ATP.
• D. Cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide and water, which are used in photosynthesis to generate ATP.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic processes: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, using carbon dioxide and water. Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into ATP, releasing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.
2. Identify the products and reactants: Photosynthesis produces glucose and oxygen. These products are essential reactants for cellular respiration, which uses them to produce ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.
3. Recognize the cyclical nature: The carbon dioxide and water produced during cellular respiration are used as reactants in photosynthesis, creating a cycle that sustains the energy flow in ecosystems.
4. Explore the energy transformation: Photosynthesis captures light energy and stores it in glucose molecules. Cellular respiration then releases this stored energy by breaking down glucose to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.
5. Connect the processes: Both processes are interconnected in the energy cycle of living organisms. Photosynthesis provides the necessary oxygen and glucose for cellular respiration, while cellular respiration provides carbon dioxide and water for photosynthesis, maintaining a balance in the ecosystem.