Energy Flow Cycle

Energy Flow Cycle

Photosynthesis Overview

• In photosynthesis, low-energy electrons derived from water are pushed to high energy levels by absorbing light energy.
• The electrons are used to reduce CO₂ to form carbohydrates such as glucose and other organic molecules.
• Oxygen is released as a by-product.
• The process involves:
      - Sunlight: Contains electrons at high energy levels.
      - Glucose: The end product of the process.
      - Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Cycle:
        - Overall reaction:
         ext{Sunlight} + 6CO_2 + 6H_2O
  ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2

Cellular Respiration Overview

• In cellular respiration, glucose and other organic molecules are oxidized by the removal of high-energy electrons.
• After a series of reactions that release energy at each step, the electrons are delivered at low energy levels to oxygen.
• Some of the energy released is used to drive the synthesis of ATP from ADP + phosphate.
• Energy not captured in the ATP is released as heat.