In the context of energy flow and matter cycling, how are photosynthesis and cellular respiration related to each other?

• A. They are complementary processes: photosynthesis produces glucose and oxygen that cellular respiration uses, and cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide and water that photosynthesis uses.
• B. They are identical processes that both convert glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide, water, and ATP.
• C. Photosynthesis occurs only in animals and produces ATP directly for cellular work, while cellular respiration occurs only in plants.
• D. Cellular respiration stores energy by building glucose from carbon dioxide and water, while photosynthesis releases energy by breaking down glucose.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of photosynthesis in energy flow and matter cycling. Photosynthesis is a process used by plants, algae, and some bacteria to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using light energy.
2. Step 2: Understand the role of cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is a process used by almost all organisms to break down glucose in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and usable energy in the form of ATP.
3. Step 3: Identify the relationship between the two processes. Photosynthesis produces glucose and oxygen, which are the reactants needed for cellular respiration.
4. Step 4: Recognize the complementary nature of these processes. Cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide and water, which are the reactants needed for photosynthesis.
5. Step 5: Conclude that photosynthesis and cellular respiration form a cycle where the products of one process serve as the reactants for the other, maintaining the flow of energy and cycling of matter in ecosystems.