Cellular respiration and photosynthesis are complementary processes. The products of each of these processes is used as the reactants for the other. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants utilize solar energy and generate glucose and oxygen. The relevant chemical equation is
6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy -> C6H12O6 + 6O2.
Carbon dioxide and water are the reactants in this process. In comparison, cellular respiration converts glucose and oxygen to carbon dioxide and water, along with the production of ATP molecules. The relevant chemical reaction is given as:
C6H12O6 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP
As can be seen from these chemical reactions, the products of photosynthesis are the reactants for cellular respiration and vice versa. Hence, these are complementary processes and are necessary for sustaining each other.
Hope this helps.
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