High School Biology

High School Biology explores the fundamental concepts of life sciences, including cellular biology, genetics, evolution, and ecology.

Advanced Topics

Cellular Processes: Photosynthesis and Respiration

How Cells Get and Use Energy

All living things need energy to survive. Plants get their energy from sunlight through a process called photosynthesis, while animals (and plants) use cellular respiration to release energy from food.

Photosynthesis

Plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to make glucose (a sugar) and oxygen.

\[ 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{light energy} \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \]

Cellular Respiration

Cells break down glucose in the presence of oxygen to release energy, water, and carbon dioxide.

\[ C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{energy (ATP)} \]


These processes are essential for life, powering everything from growing leaves to running marathons!

Key Formula

\[C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{energy}\]

Examples

  • Plants capture sunlight to make food through photosynthesis.

  • Humans and animals use respiration to release energy from food.

In a Nutshell

Photosynthesis and respiration are how cells transform energy.

Key Terms

ATP
A molecule that stores and transfers energy in cells.
Chlorophyll
A green pigment in plants that absorbs sunlight.