Biology
Comparing photosynthesis & cellular respiration
Cellular Respiration
The process where cells get their energy in the form of ATP.
Key points for Cellular Respiration.
Anaerobic- Metabolic process that does not require oxygen.
Aerobic- Metabolic process that requires oxygen.
Equation- C6H12O6 + O2(yields to) 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy
Oxygen makes it more efficient, but it can be done without it.
Process
- The first step for Cellular Respiration starts with Glycolosis
- The second step is the Krebs Cycle
- Third step is the Electron Transport Chain.
The Glycolysis Cycle (the break down of glucose)
- Takes place in the cytoplasm
- Converts 1 molecule of glucose into 2 molecules of pyruvate with the help of 2 NAD+ and some energy in the form of ATP.
- Once it is completed it is left with 2 pyruvate, NADH, and 2 ATP.
- The cell uses the 2 ATP for the energy.
- NADH will be recycled back into NAD+
- The 2 pyruvate will be used for the next steps of cellular respiration.
- Overall this step makes 2 pyruvate, 2 ATP, and 2 NADH
The Krebs Cycle
- Takes place in the mitochondria
- CoA enters the Krebs cycle is a series of enzyme- assisted reactions
- Will be making a 2 carbon compound making a 6 carbon compound and releases coenzyme a
- Carbon dioxide is released making a 5 carbon compound
- Electrons are transferred to NAD+ which makes NADH
- Carbon dioxide is released making a 4 carbon compound
- ATP and NADH is made
- The 4 carbon compound is converted into a new one and electrons are transferred to FAD making FADH+
- The 4 carbon compound is converted back to the original one and creates another NADH.
The Energy Transport Chain
- Takes place in the inner mitochondria.
- The reactants we need: NADH, FADH2, O2
- NADH and FADH2 transport electrons go through the chain.
- The hydrogen ions diffuse back to the inner compartment.
- They go through a carrier protein that adds a phosphate group to ADH and makes ATP
- Overall this step makes 34 ATP in the best way possible
Photosynthesis
The process where organisms use sunlight to create energy.
Process
- Step one is the Light Dependent Reaction
- Step two is the Calvin Cycle
- Step 3 is the Dark Reaction
Light Dependent Reaction Step
- Energy from the sun is absorbed by chlorophyll and converted into stored chemical energy.
- This reaction takes place in the chloroplast.
Calvin Cycle
- This cycle uses carbon dioxide from the air into sugar.
- There is four major steps: Carbon fixation step, reduction phase, carbohydrate formation, and regeneration phase.
- The energy to fuel the chemical reaction is provided by ATP.
Dark Reaction Step
- Carbon dioxide fixation
- The transfer of carbon dioxide to organic compounds
- Carbon dioxide is used to make compounds in which energy is stored
- ATP is used to power this stage
Comparing and Contrasting
Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Similarities-
- Both produce ATP
Differences-
- Photosynthesis occurs only in plants and Cellular Respiration takes place in plants and animals.
- Sunlight is not required for Cellular Respiration, but it is for Photosynthesis.
- Photosynthesis captures energy while Cellular Respiration releases it.