Middle School Life Science

Middle School Life Science explores the fundamental concepts of biology, ecology, and the interactions of living organisms with their environment.

Advanced Topics

Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

How Plants and Animals Get Energy

Plants use a process called photosynthesis to turn sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into food (glucose) and oxygen. Animals (and plants, too!) use cellular respiration to break down food for energy.

Key Processes

  • Photosynthesis happens in plant cells with chloroplasts. The formula is: \[ 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{light energy} \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \]
  • Cellular Respiration is how cells get energy from glucose. \[ C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + \text{energy} \]

Why Does This Matter?

These processes keep all life going, providing energy for everything from running to growing.

Connections

Without photosynthesis, we wouldn’t have oxygen to breathe!

Key Formula

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

Examples

  • A tree capturing sunlight to make food.

  • Your muscles using energy from food to move.

In a Nutshell

Photosynthesis and respiration are how living things get and use energy.

Key Terms

Photosynthesis
The process by which plants make food from sunlight.
Cellular Respiration
The process by which cells break down food to release energy.