Making Glucose vs. Breaking Glucose

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The discussion revolves around the energy dynamics of photosynthesis compared to the process of breaking down glucose, focusing on the biochemical reactions involved in each process.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the differences in energy production and consumption between photosynthesis and cellular respiration, questioning the roles of ATP and NADPH2 in these processes.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided detailed descriptions of the processes involved in making and breaking down glucose, while others express uncertainty about the appropriateness of the forum for this topic. There is no explicit consensus on the understanding of the concepts discussed.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes that they submitted their work with uncertainty, indicating a lack of confidence in their understanding. Additionally, there is a recognition that the forum may not be the ideal place for biology-related questions.

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.
 
Heh, thanks a lot, but I already turned it in with a wrong guess. :biggrin:
 
haha, this is a physics fourm. Not sure many people know biology
 
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
 

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