Photosynthesis and Respiration
All living things need energy to survive and perform the functions necessary for life. The Sun, either directly or indirectly, provides this energy for nearly all organisms. Autotrophs, organisms that make their own food, are capable of converting an energy source into organic chemical energy. Chemoautrophs, like some archeabacteria, use inorganic substances as a source of energy. Other autotrophs, like plants, some bacteria, and some protists, use the energy from the Sun. These autotrophs convert light energy into chemical energy. Heterotrophs are organisms that must consume food to obtain energy. Some of the energy from the Sun, which is stored in the leaf of a plant or the fruit of a tree, is transferred to the heterotrophic organism when it eats an autotroph or another heterotroph.
Photosynthesis
Scientists did not always know that plants were capable of making their own food. At first, it was believed that plants received their energy from the soil. Today, scientists know that plants use the Sun’s energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. View Photosynthesis from eMediaVASM to learn the basics of the process of photosynthesis.
Plants can generate their own food through the process of photosynthesis. Cells in plants (and some protists) have the ability to convert sunlight into a simple sugar. The process of photosynthesis connects the Sun and all of the living systems on Earth. In this interactivity, learn about the process of photosynthesis by exploring the reactions that occur in photosynthetic organisms. Click the player button to begin.
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Cellular Respiration
Cellular respiration is a process that occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. In respiration, organic molecules and oxygen are used to produce energy, carbon dioxide, and water. The processes of cellular respiration and photosynthesis are complementary processes. Together, these processes cycle carbon dioxide and oxygen while transferring energy throughout the ecosystem. In this interactivity, explore the process of cellular respiration. Click the player button to begin.
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Mitochondria
Mitochondria are the organelles responsible for an important process in your body. In cellular respiration, glucose and oxygen enter the mitochondria and is converted into energy-rich molecules of ATP. View Powerhouse of the Cell from eMediaVASM to discover how the processes involved with cellular respiration are critical to maintaining healthy bodies and active lifestyles.
Photosynthesis and Respiration Review
Now that you have explored photosynthesis and respiration, review your knowledge. In this non-graded activity, read each question and select the correct response. Click the player button to get started.