Define respiration and photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis takes place in plants, they use sunlight to make their energy.

Respiration takes place in animals and humans, it's how we get energy from food.

Let's think about the grand scheme of both processes. Photosynthesis: Puts together small molecules (CO2, H2O) to form larger molecules (C6H12O6, aka Glucose, a simple sugar). Cellular Respiration: Breaks down molecules of glucose, and gives off molecules of CO2 and H20. Known as "respiration" because it uses oxygen as a terminal electron acceptor to "sink" electrons that are passed down through the electron transport chain. The process uses th energy from the electron transport chain to create high-energy phosphate bonds in the form of ATP through oxidative phosphorylation. Chemically/Thermodynamically speaking: 1. Photosynthesis is reductive, and energy-requiring 2. Respiration is oxidative and energy-yielding. So, they are reverse processes because one synthesizes larger molecules (glucose), and requires energy (sunlight), while the other yields energy (via oxidative phosphorylation) and breaks down molecules of glucose into smaller molecules of CO2 and H2O! It's pretty elegant and amazing when you think about it! Hope that helps!

i learned this in 7th grade. why is it being taught to primary school children???