Two important processes that cells use are photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Describe these two processes. a. Photosynthesis b. Cellular Respiration:

a. Photosynthesis: This is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy that can be later released to fuel the organisms' activities. This process occurs in almost all plant species and is carried out in specialized organelles known as chloroplasts. Photosynthesis involves the use of energy from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen. The general equation for photosynthesis is:

6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy = C6H12O6 + 6O2

b. Cellular Respiration: This is a set of metabolic reactions and processes that take place in the cells of organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and then release waste products. The reactions involved in respiration are catabolic reactions, which break down large molecules into smaller ones, releasing energy in the process. This process occurs in every cell in the body. It involves three steps: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport chain. The general equation for cellular respiration is:

C6H12O6 + 6O2 = 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy (as ATP)

In summary, photosynthesis and cellular respiration are complementary processes. Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose, which are then used in cellular respiration to create ATP, carbon dioxide, and water.