Carefully examine the diagram below that shows the relationship between aerobic cell respiration that occurs in the mitochondria and photosynthesis that occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells. You learned the details of photosynthesis in the previous unit. You should notice cycling of matter (chemical compounds) and flow of energy in the diagram. Both photosynthesis and cell respiration are required to sustain life on earth. Remember that photosynthesis is a process specific to plants and other producers but cell respiration for ATP production is done by all living organisms--including plants!

You will write a two-paragraph summary of how photosynthesis and cell respiration are related. In your first paragraph address the cycling of matter--be specific! How does one process provide the raw materials for the other and vice versa?

In your second paragraph, discuss the flow of energy that takes place in an ecosystem. Be sure to discuss the initial energy source as well as the role of photosynthesis and cell respiration. Notice that respiration is not an entirely efficient process and some of the energy produced is lost as heat. Address the need for continual energy input to the ecosystem. This is not a cycle!