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.