2. Review: Why is photosynthesis an important plant process? Photosynthesis = process of making food Organisms like plants provide food for almost all other living things on Earth Plants release oxygen into atmosphere – almost 90% of oxygen is from photosynthesis
3. Respiration Related to photosynthesis Respiration is a series of chemical reactions that all organisms use to break down food to release energy Respiration in most organisms requires oxygen This is called aerobic respiration Aerobic means using oxygen
4. Respiration Chemical reaction for respiration: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy Glucose and oxygen produce carbon dioxide and water and energy Is this equation familiar? How does it relate to the equation for photosynthesis? *Remember: During photosynthesis CO₂ and H₂O are combined with light energy to create glucose and O₂. *In respiration oxygen and glucose are combined to release the energy found in the bonds of the food (glucose) and this creates CO₂ and H₂O
5. Why is respiration important? Provides energy needed by the cell and gives energy to the whole organism During respiration, food energy is changed into a form that plant cells (and your cells!) can use Aerobic respiration returns CO₂ to the atmosphere to be used again in photosynthesis
