Cellular Energy Cellular Energy The breakdown of nutrient molecules enables all cells to store energy in specific chemicals that are used to carry out the life functions of the cell. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy of life. Cellular Energy Photosynthesis and cell respiration are complementary processes for cycling carbon dioxide and oxygen as well as transferring energy in ecosystems. The reactions are opposites of each other. The products produced from one reaction are the reactants needed to fuel the other. 3 ways to make energy: 1. PHOTOSYNTHESIS - Plant cells and many microorganisms use solar energy to combine molecules of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) and water (H2O) into complex, energy-rich organic compounds (glucose C6H12O6 ) and release oxygen (O2) into the environment. 3 ways to make energy: PHOTOSYNTHESIS Carbon dioxide + Water 6CO2 + 6H2O sunlight chlorophyll sunlight chlorophyll Glucose + Oxygen C6H12O6 + 6O2 3 ways to make energy: PHOTOSYNTHESIS The process of photosynthesis provides a vital connection between the sun and the energy needs of living systems. 3 ways to make energy: PHOTOSYNTHESIS 3 ways to make energy: 2. RESPIRATIONOCCURS IN THE MITOCHONDRIA During cell respiration, eukaryotic cells “burn” glucose molecules with oxygen, which produces energy (ATP), carbon dioxide, and water. This process requires OXYGEN. It is aerobic. When cells need energy to do work, certain enzymes release the energy stored in the chemical bonds of ATP. 3 ways to make energy: RESPIRATION Glucose + Oxygen C6H12O6 + 6O2 Carbon dioxide + Water + ATP 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP 3 ways to make energy: 3. GLYCOLYSIS- (anaerobic respiration) OCCURS IN THE CYTOPLASM Also know as FERMENTATION glucose is broken down without oxygen into carbon dioxide, ATP, and alcohol 3 ways to make energy: GLYCOLYSIS •Yeast and other unicellular organisms use this process 3 ways to make energy: GLYCOLYSIS •When your muscles run out of glucose they will use this process to make energy. Your muscles produce lactic acid instead of alcohol.