Which of the following statements is true regarding the relationship between cellular respiration and photosynthesis?

The statement that cellular respiration is the opposite of photosynthesis is true and accurately describes the relationship between these two essential biological processes.

In photosynthesis, plants, algae, and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using sunlight. This process is essential for producing energy in the form of glucose, which serves as food for the plant and ultimately for other organisms that consume plants.

In contrast, cellular respiration is the process by which living organisms, including plants and animals, convert glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water, while releasing energy. This energy can then be used for various cellular functions.

The relationship can be succinctly summarized: the products of photosynthesis (glucose and oxygen) are the reactants for cellular respiration, and vice versa. This reciprocal relationship is foundational to the cycling of oxygen and carbon dioxide in ecosystems, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life on Earth.

This understanding is crucial for recognizing how energy flows through an ecosystem, highlighting the importance of both processes in sustaining life.