What is the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration?

The relationship between photosynthesis and respiration is that they are complementary processes. Photosynthesis occurs primarily in plants, algae, and some bacteria, where they convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose. During this process, these organisms utilize carbon dioxide and water to produce glucose and release oxygen as a byproduct.

Respiration, on the other hand, is the process by which cells break down glucose in the presence of oxygen to release energy for use in cellular activities. This process produces carbon dioxide and water as byproducts, which are then used in photosynthesis.

This interdependent relationship creates a cycle: the oxygen produced by photosynthesis is used for respiration, and the carbon dioxide produced by respiration is used in photosynthesis. Thus, these two processes sustain each other within the biosphere, highlighting their complementary nature in the ecosystem.