Chapter 1
Life Processes
Photosynthesis Biochemical Equation
6CO2 + 12H2O --(Chlorophyll + Sunlight)--> C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O
Oxygen released during photosynthesis comes entirely from photolysis of WATER (H2O), not from CO2.
Variables: Raw materials: CO2 (enters via stomata) and H2O (absorbed by roots via xylem)
Exam Tip: High-yield NEET question: Radioactive isotope 18O proves oxygen gas liberated originates from water molecules.
Aerobic vs Anaerobic Respiration ATP Balance
Aerobic: C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O + 38 ATP | Anaerobic in yeast: C6H12O6 -> 2 Ethanol + 2CO2 + 2 ATP
Aerobic respiration inside mitochondria yields 19 times more energy per glucose molecule than anaerobic glycolysis.
Variables: ATP = Adenosine Triphosphate (Energy currency of the cell)
Exam Tip: In human muscle cells during vigorous exercise, lack of oxygen produces LACTIC ACID + 2 ATP, causing muscle cramps.