Making Glucose vs. Breaking Glucose

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In summary, photosynthesis uses light energy to create glucose while chemical reactions that break down glucose use energy from ATP.
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Mk
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How does in terms of energy, photosynthesis, differ from from a chemical reaction that breaks down glucose?

Kinda vague...
 
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Making Glucose: light energy splits water molecules into hydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms. The hydrogen atoms combines with a chemical called nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) to form NADPH2, which is used later in the dark reaction. The oxygen atoms bind to each other and molecular oxygen (O2) is released into the atmosphere. Also, the light energy is used to produce the energy molecule called adenine triphosphate (ATP), which is also used in the dark reaction. So, the main products of the light reaction are NADPH2, ATP, and O2. During the dark reaction, enzymes use the energy from NADPH2 and ATP (formed in the light reaction) to convert carbon dioxide (CO2), obtained from the atmosphere, into glucose and water. The glucose and water can be stored for future use by the plant.

Breaking Glucose: Glucose is actively transported through the membranes of both the chloroplasts and the mitochondria. Once inside the mitochondria, cellular respiration now begins. The reaction takes place in the Cristae. Glucose will be broken down and carbon dioxide and water are the products of the reaction. Carbon dioxide leaves the mitochondria. Part of the carbon dioxide is recycled again through chloroplasts. Break down of glucose also produces chemical energy that is used throughout the entire body for cell and enzyme functions such as being able to live. The energy is called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). It has three instead of just the one phospate present in DNA. The other two phosphates have high energy bonds. Water, like carbon dioxide, is recycled to other parts of the organism. It too can be eliminated. Once ATP is used for energy it loses a phosphate and becomes ADP.
 
  • #3
Heh, thanks a lot, but I already turned it in with a wrong guess. :biggrin:
 
  • #4
haha, this is a physics fourm. Not sure many people know biology
 
  • #5
UrbanXrisis said:
haha, this is a physics fourm. Not sure many people know biology
Yeah, neither do I, I should've put it in Biology, but I wasn't thinking
 

1. What is the difference between making glucose and breaking glucose?

Making glucose and breaking glucose are two different processes that involve the conversion of energy. Making glucose, also known as photosynthesis, is the process by which plants convert sunlight into glucose, a type of sugar that is used for energy. Breaking glucose, also known as cellular respiration, is the process by which cells break down glucose to produce energy for cellular functions.

2. Why is it important to make and break glucose?

Making and breaking glucose are essential processes for the survival of living organisms. Plants need to make glucose to produce energy for growth and metabolism, while animals and other organisms need to break down glucose to obtain the energy needed for their daily activities.

3. How does photosynthesis make glucose?

Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells. These chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a pigment that absorbs sunlight. The energy from sunlight is used to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. This process involves two stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions.

4. What is the role of glucose in cellular respiration?

Glucose is the main source of energy for cellular respiration. During cellular respiration, glucose is broken down into smaller molecules, releasing energy that is used to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main energy currency of cells. This energy is then used for various cellular processes, such as muscle movement and metabolism.

5. How do plants and animals use glucose differently?

Plants use glucose to produce energy for growth and metabolism, but they also store excess glucose in the form of starch for later use. Animals, on the other hand, break down glucose to produce energy for various activities, but they do not have the ability to make their own glucose. Instead, they obtain glucose by consuming plants or other animals.

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