Which of the following correctly matches the main inputs and outputs of photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

• A. Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration use glucose and O\(_2\) as inputs and produce CO\(_2\) and H\(_2\)O as outputs.
• B. Both photosynthesis and cellular respiration use CO\(_2\) and H\(_2\)O as inputs and produce glucose and O\(_2\) as outputs.
• C. Photosynthesis uses glucose and O\(_2\) to produce CO\(_2\) and H\(_2\)O; cellular respiration uses CO\(_2\) and H\(_2\)O to produce glucose and O\(_2\).
• D. Photosynthesis uses CO\(_2\) and H\(_2\)O to produce glucose and O\(_2\); cellular respiration uses glucose and O\(_2\) to produce CO\(_2\) and H\(_2\)O.

Answer: (D)

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: Identify the main inputs and outputs of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis requires carbon dioxide (CO\(_2\)), water (H\(_2\)O), and light energy as inputs. The outputs are glucose (C\(_6\)H\(_{12}\)O\(_6\)) and oxygen (O\(_2\)). The overall chemical equation for photosynthesis can be written as: $6_{\mathrm{CO}}+6_H{2}_O\to C_{6_H}$.
3. Step 3: Identify the main inputs and outputs of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration requires glucose (C\(_6\)H\(_{12}\)O\(_6\)) and oxygen (O\(_2\)) as inputs. The outputs are carbon dioxide (CO\(_2\)), water (H\(_2\)O), and energy in the form of ATP. The overall chemical equation for cellular respiration can be written as: $C_{6_H}$.
4. Step 4: Compare the inputs and outputs of both processes. Photosynthesis uses CO\(_2\) and H\(_2\)O to produce glucose and O\(_2\), while cellular respiration uses glucose and O\(_2\) to produce CO\(_2\) and H\(_2\)O. These processes are complementary, forming a cycle that sustains life by recycling energy and matter.
5. Step 5: Based on the comparison, the correct answer is: Photosynthesis uses CO\(_2\) and H\(_2\)O to produce glucose and O\(_2\); cellular respiration uses glucose and O\(_2\) to produce CO\(_2\) and H\(_2\)O. This highlights the interdependence of these two processes in ecosystems.