Roles of Respiration, Combustion and Photosynthesis

Roles of Respiration, Combustion and Photosynthesis

1. Photosynthesis:

   • Photosynthesis is a process carried out by green plants, algae and some bacteria.
   • During photosynthesis, light energy from the Sun is converted into chemical energy.
   • The chemical energy is stored in the bonds of glucose molecules, which are built from carbon dioxide and water.
   • The equation for photosynthesis is: 6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2. This means that it also produces oxygen.
   • Photosynthesis is critical in the carbon cycle, as it removes carbon dioxide from the Earth’s atmosphere and converts it into glucose and oxygen. - Photosynthesis also helps to counteract the greenhouse effect, since it reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

2. Respiration:

   • Respiration is a process carried out by all living organisms, including plants, animals and microbes.
   • During respiration, glucose is broken down to produce energy. This energy is used for different cellular processes.
   • The equation for respiration is: C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O. This means that it produces carbon dioxide and water.
   • Unlike photosynthesis, respiration adds carbon dioxide back into the Earth’s atmosphere.
   • Respiration occurs all the time, but the rate of respiration can increase in response to greater energy demand. For instance, when you exercise, your cells carry out respiration at a higher rate to meet the increased energy demand.

3. Combustion:

   • Combustion, or burning, is a chemical reaction that often involves oxygen and a fuel source like wood or fossil fuels.
   • In combustion, the fuel source reacts with oxygen to produce heat and light energy, carbon dioxide and water.
   • The amount of oxygen present can also affect the products of combustion. For example, incomplete combustion (not enough oxygen) can produce carbon or carbon monoxide instead of carbon dioxide.
   • Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels for energy, significantly contribute to the increase in carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change.

In summary, respiration, combustion, and photosynthesis are interconnected. Photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produces oxygen, which is used by living organisms for respiration. In turn, respiration produces carbon dioxide, returning it to the atmosphere. Combustion, primarily human-induced, adds significant amounts of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, thereby potentially upsetting this delicate balance.