What is the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

The relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration is foundational to the energy cycle within living organisms. Photosynthesis occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria, where they convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen as byproducts. This process primarily takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells, utilizing carbon dioxide and water, alongside sunlight.

Cellular respiration, on the other hand, is the process by which organisms break down glucose and oxygen to produce energy, carbon dioxide, and water. This process occurs in the mitochondria of cells in both plants and animals. The glucose that is generated from photosynthesis serves as the primary fuel for cellular respiration.

Thus, the correct answer highlights the crucial role of photosynthesis in generating the essential inputs—glucose and oxygen—that cellular respiration requires to function effectively. Without the products of photosynthesis, cellular respiration could not proceed, illustrating the interconnectedness of these two vital biological processes.