Plants and animals exchange materials through the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Which of these statements is true about the way these two processes are related?

This question lacks options, the options are:

A) The products of photosynthesis inhibit respiration

B) The products of photosynthesis are also the products of respiration

C) The reactants of photosynthesis are also the reactants of respiration

D) The products of photosynthesis are the reactants of respiration

The answer is D

Explanation

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are two unique and distinct metabolic activities/processes. Photosynthesis is carried out by green plants and it involves the synthesis of glucose and oxygen using carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O). Cellular respiration, on the other hand, occurs in every living organism and it involves the synthesis of energy using glucose and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.

Based on the description of the two processes above, it can be observed that both processes are interrelated in the sense that the products of photosynthesis (CO2 and H2O) are the reactants of cellular respiration (C6H12O6 and O2).

The equation is as follows:

1) Photosynthesis:

6CO2 + 6H2O --> C6H12O6 + 6O2

2) Cellular respiration:

C6H12O6 + 6O2 --> 6CO2 + 6H2O

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