Comparing Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Without the processes of photosynthesis and aerobic cellular respiration, life would not be
possible. Really?!? Is that true?!? Let’s consider the food chain for a moment. At the bottom of
the food chain, primary producers, such as plants, can absorb the sun’s energy and convert it into
useful substances such as glucose, sucrose, starch and cellulose rather than just absorbing energy
and heat. Primary consumers, such as herbivores, on the other hand, eat plants and use these
substances to power many of the life-giving processes. If primary producers couldn’t use
sunlight or primary consumers weren’t able to use carbohydrates, the food chain would not exist
and life as we know it would stop.

As a result of the strong link between these processes, many of the broader concepts, reactions
and themes discussed in Biology 12 can be used to explain both processes simultaneously. Yet,
as you know, there are still noticeable differences. Consider some of the basic similarities and
differences:
In this evaluation, you need to:
• Accurately and with enough detail demonstrate you understand the terminology, concepts,
reactions and phases/stages of photosynthesis and cellular respiration

 Knowledge and understanding of the terminology, concepts, reactions and phases/stages

of photosynthesis and cellular respiration are accurate and sufficiently detailed.
 Terms are used accurately, and connections are clearly and logically organized and
expressed

• Make 6 meaningful, significant and well thought out connections between photosynthesis and
cellular respiration

 Connections made between photosynthesis and cellular respiration were accurate,

meaningful, significant and well thought out.

• Accurately communicate terms, and clearly and logically organize and express the connections

• Write 4-6 pages and use a double space, 12-point font and Times New Roman format, always
start with the cellular respiration followed by Photosynthesis point of comparison.