Photosynthesis and Respiration Quiz

Study Notes

Process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy
Equation: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2
Crucial for life on Earth, as it:
- Produces oxygen for aerobic organisms
- Fixes carbon into organic compounds, supporting the food chain
- Regulates Earth's climate by removing CO2 from the atmosphere

Process by which cells generate energy from glucose, releasing CO2 and H2O
Equation: C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2 → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + ATP (energy)
Occurs in all living organisms, from bacteria to humans
Reverses the process of photosynthesis, releasing stored energy and CO2 back into the atmosphere

Process by which microorganisms break down dead organic matter into simpler substances
Releases CO2, H2O, and nutrients back into the environment
Essential for recycling nutrients and maintaining ecosystem balance
Occurs in various environments, including soil, water, and the atmosphere

Atoms: smallest units of matter, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons
Isotopes: atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, affecting their mass
Carbon has three main isotopes:
1. Carbon-12 (98.93% abundance): stable, with 6 protons and 6 neutrons
2. Carbon-13 (1.07% abundance): stable, with 6 protons and 7 neutrons
3. Carbon-14 (trace amounts): radioactive, with 6 protons and 8 neutrons, used in radiocarbon dating
Isotopes play a crucial role in understanding the carbon cycle, as they can be used to trace carbon's movement through ecosystems

Converts light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen
Equation: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2
Supports life on Earth by producing oxygen and fixing carbon into organic compounds
Regulates Earth's climate by removing CO2 from the atmosphere

Generates energy from glucose, releasing CO2 and H2O
Equation: C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2 → 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + ATP (energy)
Occurs in all living organisms, from bacteria to humans
Reverses photosynthesis, releasing stored energy and CO2 back into the atmosphere

Breaks down dead organic matter into simpler substances, releasing CO2, H2O, and nutrients
Essential for recycling nutrients and maintaining ecosystem balance
Occurs in various environments, including soil, water, and the atmosphere

Atoms are the smallest units of matter, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons, affecting their mass
Carbon has three main isotopes: Carbon-12, Carbon-13, and Carbon-14
Isotopes play a crucial role in understanding the carbon cycle, tracing carbon's movement through ecosystems
Carbon-14 is radioactive, used in radiocarbon dating