Understanding Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are super important processes that help living things create and use energy. Let’s break them down into simpler parts.

Photosynthesis:

1. Light-dependent Reactions:

   • These happen in special parts of the plant cells called thylakoids.
   • They take sunlight and change it into energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.
   • This process also produces oxygen from water.
   • Each cycle can produce around 30 to 40 ATP molecules.

2. Calvin Cycle:

   • This part occurs in another area of the cell called the stroma.
   • Here, the plant takes carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air and turns it into glucose, which is a type of sugar.
   • To make one glucose molecule, it needs 18 ATP and 12 NADPH.

Cellular Respiration:

1. Glycolysis:

   • This happens in the cytoplasm (the jelly-like part of the cell).
   • It changes glucose into another substance called pyruvate.
   • This process makes 2 ATP and 2 NADH.

2. Krebs Cycle:

   • This takes place in a part of the cell called the mitochondria.
   • Here, pyruvate is turned into carbon dioxide (CO₂).
   • This cycle produces 2 ATP, 6 NADH, and 2 FADH₂.

3. Electron Transport Chain:

   • This is found in the membranes of the mitochondria.
   • It creates around 34 ATP through a process known as oxidative phosphorylation.

In simple terms, photosynthesis helps plants gather energy from the sun and make food, while cellular respiration helps other living beings use that food to create energy. Both processes are crucial for life on Earth!