7.05 Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration: Complimentary Processes

Time to Reflect

Photosynthesis is a chemical process that all plants use to capture the energy from the sun to make energy rich food. In the process, they take in carbon dioxide and water and release oxygen gas to the environment.

The cells of most organisms, plants included, use the stored food and the oxygen gas to produce energy for their cells in a process called cellular respiration. In cellular respiration, carbon dioxide is produced. Plants take the carbon dioxide and water, and with the help of the energy from the sun, create food molecules. It's a cycle.

• Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are complementary processes, that is—what one produces the other uses.

Tour Debrief

You have completed this activity if you have:

• added the new terms and their meanings to your Module 7 Glossary Sheet
• completed the research investigation on photosynthesis