How does carbon dioxide link photosynthesis and respiration?
Carbon Dioxide is the by-product of Cellular respiration. Carbon dioxide is used in the beginning reactions of Photosynthesis. The by-product of Photosynthesis is Oxygen, which is what is needed as the final electron acceptor in Cellular respiration. These two processes are linked together: Aerobic Cellular Respiration: C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O Photosynthesis: 6CO2 + 6H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2 These chemical equations alone show that Aerobic Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis are the exact opposites of each other. Cellular Respiration’s reactants are the products of Photosynthesis. And Photosynthesis’s reactants are the products of Cellular Respiration. These processes need each others by products to conduct their own processes. In essence, Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration create a cycle that depend on each others products to continue. Thus Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis must both remain present to continue life on Earth.
