Summary

In this unit, you learned about the detailed series of chemical reactions involved in photosynthesis and cellular respiration. The Sun provides a steady flow of energy for the biosphere. Plants are able to use this energy directly, through photosynthesis, to produce their own food. Animals do not have this ability and must rely on plants or other organisms for a source of usable chemical potential energy. Both plants and animals use cellular respiration to obtain energy.

Now that you've this unit, you should be able to discuss major aspects of photosynthesis, including where it occurs and the required reactants of photosynthesis. You should also be able to describe more detailed aspects of photosynthesis. This includes the products and reactants of photosynthesis, the importance of electron transfer to the function of photosynthesis, and the ability of photosynthesis to convert energy and cause changes to matter. 

You also learned about the role of cellular respiration in releasing potential energy from carbohydrates like glucose. Glucose synthesized during photosynthesis is used by most organisms. Remember that plants need access to energy for cellular processes just like animal cells do. Cellular respiration is made up of three sets of chemical reactions: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and electron transport. Cellular respiration can occur aerobically or anaerobically. You should be able to describe the function and importance of these processes with respect to the production of energy within cells.

You should also be able to explain how photosynthesis and cellular respiration have been used in science and technology to benefit humans.