Photosynthesis

CO₂ + H₂O + Energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂

Carbon Dioxide Water sunlight Glucose Oxygen

The picture to the right does not show the production of Glucose (sugar). Glucose is an
energy rich molecule. Think of glucose as food. Cells break glucose down in order to
provide energy necessary to carry out cellular functions.

See the equation below for cellular respiration. What are the similarities?

Photosynthesis. (Source: Howstuffworks.com)

Respiration
C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O + Energy
Glucose Oxygen Carbon Dioxide Water released when
glucose bonds are
broken

Notice that they are the reverse reactions of one another. This is key! Notice that the color of the molecules in both equations are
consistent.