Photosynthesis

• The process of photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts of plants, where the chlorophyll absorbs solar radiation and converts it to glucose. The chemical formula for photosynthesis is 6CO2 + 6H2O (+ light energy) ' C6 H12 O6 + 6O2. Oxygen is a byproduct of the process.
  
  

Chlorophyll

• Chlorophyll is a pigment found in the chloroplasts of plants that absorbs mostly red and blue light and is found in the chloroplast membranes. It is comprised of fused carbon and nitrogen rings around a central magnesium ion.
  
  

Aerobic Respiration

• Cellular respiration is the opposite reaction of photosynthesis. It uses oxygen to break down the glucose molecules into energy forms that can be readily used by the cells of plants and animals to power necessary functions.
  
  

Mitochondria

• Aerobic respiration takes place in the mitochondria, of which each cell has thousands, and converts glucose into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The process of respiration produces carbon dioxide, water, and ATP (energy) as byproducts.
  
  

Respiration Formula

• The formula for aerobic respiration is written C6 H12 O6 + 6O2 ' 6CO2 + 6H2O (+ energy). It is a mirror image of the formula for photosynthesis, demonstrating the relationship between the two vital processes.