The equilibrium between matter and energy in the biosphere is dependent on the photosynthetic and cellular respiration processes of living organisms. Water and living organisms are necessary for the biogeochemical cycles. Most of the energy used in the biosphere comes from the Sun and is either stored or re-emitted back into space. The capture of energy in the biosphere can be considered to be a balance between photosynthetic and cellular respiration processes. Energy found in producers is eventually lost as heat through life-sustaining processes of consumers, like the growth and repair of tissues, or through the process of decomposition.

Matter is cycled through both the biotic and abiotic components of the biosphere. Properties of water, such as hydrogen bonding,  allow it to play a critical role in the general cycling of matter in the biosphere.

The biosphere's air composition is influenced by all living organisms. The equilibrium between gas exchanges in photosynthesis and cellular respiration controls the planet's atmospheric composition. Human activities, like fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, can disrupt the balance between photosynthetic and cellular respiration processes in the biosphere.