Question

Cellular respiration is reverse of photosynthesis. Explain.

Answer 1

Cellular respiration is considered the reverse of photosynthesis because their chemical processes and equations are completely opposite:

Photosynthesis is an anabolic process where plants take in carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight to produce glucose and release oxygen.

\[ 6\mathrm{CO_2} + 12\mathrm{H_2O} \xrightarrow{\ \text{Sunlight/Chlorophyll}\ } \mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\mathrm{O_2} + 6\mathrm{H_2O} \]

Cellular Respiration is a catabolic process where cells use oxygen to break down glucose into carbon dioxide, water, and energy (ATP).

\[ \mathrm{C_6H_{12}O_6} + 6\mathrm{O_2} \rightarrow 6\mathrm{CO_2} + 6\mathrm{H_2O} + \text{Energy (38 ATP)} \]