Subjects
Biology
Chemistry
AP Chemistry
English
AP English Literature
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Abigail Dukes
12/19/2025
Biology
Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
16
•
Dec 19, 2025
•
Abigail Dukes
@abigaildukes_zgao
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are the powerhouse processes that fuel... Show more
Ever wonder how plants make their own food? It all happens in specialized structures called chloroplasts through a process called photosynthesis. This amazing process converts light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules.
The basic equation for photosynthesis looks like this: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂. In simpler terms, plants take carbon dioxide and water, add sunlight, and create glucose (sugar) and oxygen. The oxygen released is actually a "waste product" that we happen to need for breathing!
Photosynthesis happens in two main stages. The light-dependent reactions occur in disc-shaped structures called thylakoids, where light is absorbed, water is split, and ATP energy molecules are created. The light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle) happen in the stroma, where carbon dioxide is "fixed" into glucose using the energy captured in the first stage.
Fun Fact: The word "photosynthesis" comes from "photo" (light) and "synthesis" (to make). Plants are literally making food from sunlight!
The energy captured during photosynthesis is stored in chemical bonds of glucose molecules. This energy gets transferred through ecosystems when organisms eat each other. You can think of ATP as the universal "energy currency" that powers cellular activities.
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the energy storage molecule used by all living things. When cells need energy, they break a phosphate bond in ATP through hydrolysis, converting it to ADP and releasing energy. This powers everything from muscle movement to cell division.
Living things are classified by how they get food energy. Autotrophs (producers) make their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Heterotrophs (consumers) must eat other organisms to get energy. This includes herbivores , carnivores , and omnivores (both).
Remember This: Every calorie you consume from food must be converted to ATP before your cells can actually use that energy!
Cellular respiration is essentially photosynthesis in reverse. It occurs in the mitochondria of cells and breaks down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP. Unlike photosynthesis, cellular respiration happens in all living organisms, not just plants.
The basic equation is: C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP. This process can happen any time, day or night, and doesn't require sunlight. The food molecules you eat contain calories that must be converted to ATP through this process.
Cellular respiration begins with glycolysis in the cell's cytoplasm, where glucose is split into two molecules of pyruvic acid. This step doesn't require oxygen and produces a small amount of ATP. After glycolysis, the pyruvic acid can follow one of two paths: aerobic respiration (with oxygen) or anaerobic fermentation (without oxygen).
Think About It: The oxygen you breathe in becomes the final electron acceptor in cellular respiration. That's why you can't survive without oxygen!
Aerobic respiration is the most efficient way to extract energy from glucose. After glycolysis, pyruvic acid enters the mitochondria where the citric acid cycle (also called the Krebs cycle) breaks it down further, releasing carbon dioxide and creating electron carriers (NADH and FADH₂).
These electron carriers then enter the electron transport chain located in the cristae (folds) of the mitochondria. This is where most ATP is generated—about 32 molecules per glucose! The process ends when hydrogen combines with oxygen to form water.
When oxygen isn't available, cells can still produce some energy through anaerobic fermentation. In your muscle cells, this creates lactic acid, which causes the burning sensation during intense exercise. In yeast cells, fermentation produces alcohol and carbon dioxide (which is how bread rises and beer is made).
Quick Tip: During vigorous exercise, if your muscles can't get enough oxygen, they switch to lactic acid fermentation. This allows continued ATP production but is much less efficient and leads to muscle fatigue.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Abigail Dukes
@abigaildukes_zgao
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are the powerhouse processes that fuel life on Earth. These complementary chemical reactions transform energy between different forms, allowing organisms to grow, move, and survive. Understanding how these processes work will help you see how energy... Show more
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Ever wonder how plants make their own food? It all happens in specialized structures called chloroplasts through a process called photosynthesis. This amazing process converts light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules.
The basic equation for photosynthesis looks like this: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂. In simpler terms, plants take carbon dioxide and water, add sunlight, and create glucose (sugar) and oxygen. The oxygen released is actually a "waste product" that we happen to need for breathing!
Photosynthesis happens in two main stages. The light-dependent reactions occur in disc-shaped structures called thylakoids, where light is absorbed, water is split, and ATP energy molecules are created. The light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle) happen in the stroma, where carbon dioxide is "fixed" into glucose using the energy captured in the first stage.
Fun Fact: The word "photosynthesis" comes from "photo" (light) and "synthesis" (to make). Plants are literally making food from sunlight!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The energy captured during photosynthesis is stored in chemical bonds of glucose molecules. This energy gets transferred through ecosystems when organisms eat each other. You can think of ATP as the universal "energy currency" that powers cellular activities.
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the energy storage molecule used by all living things. When cells need energy, they break a phosphate bond in ATP through hydrolysis, converting it to ADP and releasing energy. This powers everything from muscle movement to cell division.
Living things are classified by how they get food energy. Autotrophs (producers) make their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Heterotrophs (consumers) must eat other organisms to get energy. This includes herbivores , carnivores , and omnivores (both).
Remember This: Every calorie you consume from food must be converted to ATP before your cells can actually use that energy!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Cellular respiration is essentially photosynthesis in reverse. It occurs in the mitochondria of cells and breaks down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP. Unlike photosynthesis, cellular respiration happens in all living organisms, not just plants.
The basic equation is: C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP. This process can happen any time, day or night, and doesn't require sunlight. The food molecules you eat contain calories that must be converted to ATP through this process.
Cellular respiration begins with glycolysis in the cell's cytoplasm, where glucose is split into two molecules of pyruvic acid. This step doesn't require oxygen and produces a small amount of ATP. After glycolysis, the pyruvic acid can follow one of two paths: aerobic respiration (with oxygen) or anaerobic fermentation (without oxygen).
Think About It: The oxygen you breathe in becomes the final electron acceptor in cellular respiration. That's why you can't survive without oxygen!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Aerobic respiration is the most efficient way to extract energy from glucose. After glycolysis, pyruvic acid enters the mitochondria where the citric acid cycle (also called the Krebs cycle) breaks it down further, releasing carbon dioxide and creating electron carriers (NADH and FADH₂).
These electron carriers then enter the electron transport chain located in the cristae (folds) of the mitochondria. This is where most ATP is generated—about 32 molecules per glucose! The process ends when hydrogen combines with oxygen to form water.
When oxygen isn't available, cells can still produce some energy through anaerobic fermentation. In your muscle cells, this creates lactic acid, which causes the burning sensation during intense exercise. In yeast cells, fermentation produces alcohol and carbon dioxide (which is how bread rises and beer is made).
Quick Tip: During vigorous exercise, if your muscles can't get enough oxygen, they switch to lactic acid fermentation. This allows continued ATP production but is much less efficient and leads to muscle fatigue.
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
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