What is the opposite of cellular respiration that produces carbohydrates and oxygen?

The opposite of cellular respiration that produces carbohydrates and oxygen is photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose (a carbohydrate) and oxygen. This process occurs primarily in the chloroplasts of plant cells and is essential for life on Earth as it provides the oxygen we breathe and forms the base of the food chain for most ecosystems.

In contrast, cellular respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose and oxygen to produce energy, releasing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. The two processes are interconnected; photosynthesis stores energy during the formation of glucose, while cellular respiration releases that energy when glucose is metabolized. Understanding the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration is vital for comprehending how energy flows in ecosystems and how organisms support one another through these biochemical processes.