The Effect of Photosynthesis and Respiration on the Environment

The Effect of Photosynthesis and Respiration on the Environment

The environment can be defined as the surroundings in which as organism lives, including the climate, the physical and chemical conditions of its habitat and its relationship with other living things.

Given the above understanding, it is therefore important that the right environment factors are in existence for some chemical reactions to take place. In the absence of optimum environmental factors, organisms would be compelled to adapt themselves to the prevailing environment. Cellular respiration and photosynthesis are two important chemical reactions for which the environment is of paramount importance.

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants synthesize organic compounds, primarily sugars, from carbon dioxide, and water using sunlight and chlorophyll.

6 CO2 + 6 H2O C6H12O6 + 6 O2

Respiration is the process by which plants and animals metabolically break down organic compounds, mainly carbohydrates to release energy for use such as in the bodily processes, such as active transport. It can be either aerobic or anaerobic.

Aerobic meaning respiration requires the presence of oxygen so as to take place. Oxygen is taken by the cell and CO2 out through diffusion or active transport. The carbon dioxide and water produced are used by plants during photosynthesis.

C6H12O6 + 6 CO2 6 H2O + 6 CO 2 + ENERGY

In anaerobic respiration sugar is broken down to produce ethanol in plants and lactic acid in animals.

IN PLANTS:

C6H12O6 2 CH3CH2OH + 2CO2 +ENERGY

IN ANIMALS:

C6H12O6 2CH3CH(OH)COOH + ENERGY

The effects of environment on photosynthe...

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...ich are interrelated. The end product of photosynthesis is the raw material of respiration. The byproducts of respiration are used in photosynthesis.

CO2 + H20 C2H12O6 + O2

Used in photosynthesis.

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