Photosynthesis & cellular respiration worksheet – Delve into the intricate processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration with our engaging worksheet. This comprehensive guide unveils the fundamental principles, steps, and significance of these vital life processes.

Through detailed explanations, illustrative diagrams, and thought-provoking questions, we explore the role of photosynthesis in sustaining life on Earth and the intricate workings of cellular respiration in fueling our bodies.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is a process by which plants and other organisms use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. It is a vital process for life on Earth, as it provides the food and oxygen that we need to survive.

The Process of Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells. Chloroplasts are small, green organelles that contain chlorophyll, a pigment that absorbs sunlight. The energy from sunlight is used to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is then used to combine with carbon dioxide to form glucose, a sugar molecule that plants use for energy.

The oxygen that is produced as a byproduct of photosynthesis is released into the atmosphere.

The overall equation for photosynthesis is:

CO₂+ 6H ₂O + sunlight → C ₆H ₁₂O ₆+ 6O ₂

The Importance of Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth. It provides the food and oxygen that we need to survive. In addition, photosynthesis helps to regulate the Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration is a process by which cells use oxygen to convert glucose into carbon dioxide and water. It is a vital process for life, as it provides the energy that cells need to function.

The Process of Cellular Respiration, Photosynthesis & cellular respiration worksheet

Cellular respiration takes place in the mitochondria of cells. Mitochondria are small, bean-shaped organelles that contain enzymes that catalyze the reactions of cellular respiration. The first step in cellular respiration is glycolysis, which occurs in the cytoplasm of cells. During glycolysis, glucose is broken down into two molecules of pyruvate.

Pyruvate is then transported into the mitochondria, where it is converted into acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA enters the citric acid cycle, a series of reactions that result in the production of carbon dioxide and water. The energy released during the citric acid cycle is used to produce ATP, a molecule that cells use for energy.

The overall equation for cellular respiration is:

C₆H ₁₂O ₆+ 6O ₂→ 6CO ₂+ 6H ₂O + energy

The Importance of Cellular Respiration

Cellular respiration is essential for life. It provides the energy that cells need to function. In addition, cellular respiration helps to regulate the Earth’s climate by absorbing oxygen from the atmosphere.

Comparison of Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are two essential processes for life on Earth. Photosynthesis provides the food and oxygen that we need to survive, while cellular respiration provides the energy that cells need to function.

Process	Reactants	Products	Location	Importance
Photosynthesis	Carbon dioxide, water, sunlight	Glucose, oxygen	Chloroplasts	Provides food and oxygen
Cellular respiration	Glucose, oxygen	Carbon dioxide, water, energy	Mitochondria	Provides energy

Similarities and Differences

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are both essential processes for life on Earth. However, there are some key similarities and differences between the two processes.

• Both processes involve the exchange of gases.
• Both processes occur in specialized organelles.
• Both processes produce energy.

• Photosynthesis uses sunlight as an energy source, while cellular respiration uses oxygen.
• Photosynthesis produces glucose, while cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide.
• Photosynthesis occurs in plants, while cellular respiration occurs in all living organisms.

Interconnections

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interconnected processes. Photosynthesis provides the glucose that is used as a fuel for cellular respiration. Cellular respiration, in turn, provides the carbon dioxide that is used as a reactant in photosynthesis.

Worksheet Design: Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration Worksheet

The following worksheet includes questions and activities related to photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

Questions

1. What is photosynthesis?
2. What are the reactants and products of photosynthesis?
3. Where does photosynthesis take place?
4. What is the importance of photosynthesis?
5. What is cellular respiration?
6. What are the reactants and products of cellular respiration?
7. Where does cellular respiration take place?
8. What is the importance of cellular respiration?
9. How are photosynthesis and cellular respiration interconnected?

Activities

• Draw a diagram of the process of photosynthesis.
• Draw a diagram of the process of cellular respiration.
• Create a table comparing the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
• Write an essay explaining the importance of photosynthesis and cellular respiration for life on Earth.

Answer Keys

The answer keys for the worksheet are provided below.

1. Photosynthesis is a process by which plants and other organisms use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
2. The reactants of photosynthesis are carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight. The products of photosynthesis are glucose and oxygen.
3. Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
4. Photosynthesis is important because it provides the food and oxygen that we need to survive.
5. Cellular respiration is a process by which cells use oxygen to convert glucose into carbon dioxide and water.
6. The reactants of cellular respiration are glucose and oxygen. The products of cellular respiration are carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
7. Cellular respiration takes place in the mitochondria of cells.
8. Cellular respiration is important because it provides the energy that cells need to function.
9. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interconnected because photosynthesis provides the glucose that is used as a fuel for cellular respiration. Cellular respiration, in turn, provides the carbon dioxide that is used as a reactant in photosynthesis.

FAQ Resource

What is the primary product of photosynthesis?

Glucose

Where does cellular respiration occur?

Mitochondria

What is the role of ATP in cellular respiration?

Energy currency of the cell