Photosynthesis:
This is the process in which Sunlight, Carbon Dioxide, and Water are transformed into Glucose and Oxygen. This all happens in the chlorophyll of a plant cell.
The chemical formula for this is:
Sunlight + CO2 + H2O ------->
C6H12O6
Once this has occurred, the products go into the process of Respiration in order to change the glucose into ATP, which can be used as energy. The glucose that does not go into the Respiration reaction goes into the plant tissue, where it is stored. This is the reason why some fruits and vegetables taste sweet when you eat them; you are taking the glucose that they have stored in their tissue.
Respiration:
This is the process in which Oxygen, Glucose, and Phosphorus is made into Carbon Dioxide, Water,
and ATP. It takes place in the mitochondria of a cell.
The chemical formula for this is:
O2 + C6H12O6 + P -------> CO2 + H2O + ATP
Once this process has occurred, the products CO2 and
H2O go into the cycle of Photosynthesis. Finally, the ATP is used by the plant to live
and grow. In this way, these two processes are interlinked and dependant on eachother, because they both gain some reactants from the other process.
The two organelles, mitochondria and chlorophyll are similar
because they both take in compounds and let out energy along with other
gasses and compounds that can be broken apart or used in ways that make
energy.
Decomposition
Decomposition is a process which is done by bacterias and fungi. What the bacteria does is to
take a dead compound and break it down. However, as these tiny organisms do this, they are
using up O2 and giving off CO2. Another thing that the decomposers gain when eating dead plants is the glucose inside the plants. This can also be broken down and used as energy. Traver Creek is an example of what decomposition can do, because there is decomposition going on there. For example, if a water plant dies, the bacteria and fungi in the water will begin to feed on it. As this happens, the
bacteria and fungi is using up O2 in the water, and this is one reason why the Dissolved Oxygen tests sometimes come out as they do, because the bacteria is using up the O2. Another way that Photosynthesis is related to the DO test is because when Photosynthesis takes place, O2 is released into the water, and the DO amounts will go up. Another thing that affects the processes of Photosynthesis and Respiration is the amounts of Phosphorous or Nitrates in the water. The reason these affect decomposition is because they act as a fertilizer, and they cause more plants to grow. Because of this, more decomposition can take place when the plants die.
Relationships between Photosynthesis, Respiration, and Decomposition
The processes of Photosynthesis, Respiration, and Decomposition are very similar to eachother. The first reason that they are alike is because they all take pre-existing materials and use them to make energy for themselves. Another reason that they are very similar is because they are all interconnected. The products of Photosynthesis are the reactants of Respiration. The products of Respiration are some of the reactants of Photosynthesis. Finally, the products of decomposition are part of the reactants of Photosynthesis.