Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration Research Paper
All living things on earth are made up of small structures called cells. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are two of the most important energy producing processes that occur in these miniature structures, to maintain. Photosynthesis is a chemical process that takes place in the presence of sunlight, in which plants make their food and build stores of energy. This event occurs in chlorophyll containing plant cells. Chlorophyll is a pigment found in plant leaves that gives plants their green color. Chlorophyll absorbs the light energy and utilizes it to produce carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water. This chemical reaction produces oxygen which is released into the atmosphere. The carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis are used by the plants as a source of instant energy for growth, reproduction, absorption of nutrients, etc. They also act as energy reserves and are stored in the form of starch which enable the plants to survive in drastic conditions, like, extreme winters or droughts. Carbohydrates are also used in the formation of plant tissues to grow leaves, wood, flowers, fruits, roots, etc. Cellular respiration is the process of oxidizing food molecules or breaking down chemical bonds of glucose into carbon dioxide and water. The energy released during the process is trapped in the form of ATP (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate) and used by unlike energy consuming activities of the cell. In other words, it's a set of the metabolic reactions that occur in the mitochondria of the cells of organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP, and release byproducts. The complete breakdown of glucose into carbon dioxide and water