Chapter 7: Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration
🌟 Section 1 — Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process plants use to convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose).
🌿 Where It Happens
Chloroplasts
Contains chlorophyll, which absorbs sunlight
🌞 Photosynthesis Equation (EOC‑Tested)
6CO2+6H2O+light energy→C6H12O6+6O2
Reactants
Carbon dioxide
Water
Sunlight
Products
Glucose
Oxygen
🌱 Two Stages of Photosynthesis
1. Light‑Dependent Reactions
Occur in thylakoids
Require sunlight
Produce oxygen, ATP, and NADPH
2. Light‑Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)
Occur in stroma
Do NOT require light
Use ATP + NADPH to build glucose
🌟 Section 2 — Cellular Respiration
Cellular respiration breaks down glucose to release ATP, the cell’s usable energy.
🔥 Cellular Respiration Equation (EOC‑Tested)
C6H12O6+6O2→6CO2+6H2O+ATP
Reactants
Glucose
Oxygen
Products
Carbon dioxide
Water
ATP (energy)
Where It Happens
Mitochondria (“powerhouse of the cell”)
🌟 Section 3 — Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Respiration
The EOC requires you to compare these processes.
🏃 Aerobic Respiration
Requires oxygen
Produces 36–38 ATP
Occurs in mitochondria
Efficient
Products
CO₂
H₂O
Lots of ATP
🏋 Anaerobic Respiration (Fermentation)
No oxygen required
Produces 2 ATP
Occurs in cytoplasm
Inefficient
Two Types
Lactic Acid Fermentation
Occurs in muscle cells
Produces lactic acid
Alcoholic Fermentation
Occurs in yeast
Produces alcohol + CO₂
🌟 Section 4 — How Photosynthesis & Respiration Are Interrelated
The EOC LOVES this relationship.
Photosynthesis Makes the Reactants for Respiration
Glucose
Oxygen
Respiration Makes the Reactants for Photosynthesis
Carbon dioxide
Water
They Form a Cycle
Energy flows from sun → glucose → ATP
Matter cycles between CO₂, O₂, H₂O, glucose
🌟 Section 5 — ATP: The Energy Currency of the Cell
ATP = adenosine triphosphate
What ATP Does
Powers cell processes
Transfers energy from food to the cell
Releases energy when a phosphate bond breaks
Why It Matters
The EOC requires you to connect ATP to energy transfer.