Introduction to photosynthesis

Where did carbon go?

During photosynthesis There are two different reactions that rely not only on each other but on the sun. Lets take a deep look into what happens to the carbon atoms that are needed for the reactions. What happens to carbon during transitions between photosynthesis and respiration? And what happens to carbon during cellular respiration and fermentation? 

Carbon and Light-independent reactions

Light-independent reactions work together with dependent reactions. Light independent reactions trap energy from the sunlight and use it to form ATP and NADPH molecules that give off oxygen so me and you can breathe. In this reaction it take the carbon molecules and uses it to form carbohydrate molecules like glucose. Carbohydrates are better for long-term storage rather than ATP and NADPH.

credit to FLVS lesson

Carbon and Light - Dependent reactions

Chlorophyll absorbs the energy from the sun and transfers it to high-energy electrons that are carried through a series of proteins called electron transport. Of course NADPH has to become buddies with the high energy molecules or else it wont work, so they accept each other. NADPH carries them and the energy to the next phase. Although carbon is not used in this reaction it is needed to help Light-independent reaction. This reaction uses hydrogen and oxygen molecules to gain energy and accept oxygen by releasing carbon dioxide and accepting oxygen. 

credit to FLVS lesson

Carbon and photosynthesis transtioning to respiration

In the process photosynthesis takes the energy from the sun and turns it into organic molecules (O2) When the O2 is used it creates ATP, Energy! Once energy is created it forms into carbon and water. The two work together to from carbon so that it can function, grow, and move. Lets make sure that we know photosynthesis removes carbon dioxide and releases oxygen gas. Respiration uses oxygen and releases carbon dioxide.
The two both release but only one accepts. 

Credit to FLVS lesson

Cellular respiration also known as fermentation occurs in all organisms. It uses oxygen to form energy to even be able to form a carbon atom. However it needs its other half to be able to start the process. This process is necessary for all life on earth, Survival. 

Carbon and Cellular respiration