How are the products and reactants of photosynthesis and cellular respiration related?

• A. Both processes produce oxygen as a primary product.
• B. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration have no relation in terms of products and reactants.
• C. The products of photosynthesis are the reactants of cellular respiration.
• D. The reactants of photosynthesis are the same as the products of cellular respiration.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the basic equations for both processes: Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight. Cellular respiration converts glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy.
2. Write the chemical equation for photosynthesis: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.
3. Write the chemical equation for cellular respiration: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy.
4. Compare the equations: Notice that the products of photosynthesis (glucose and oxygen) are the reactants in cellular respiration.
5. Conclude that the processes are interconnected: The products of photosynthesis serve as the reactants for cellular respiration, and vice versa, creating a cycle of energy transformation in living organisms.