The opposite of photosynthesis is called
(the answer choices are)
-aerobic respiration
-calvin cycle
-dark reaction
-anaerobic respiration
The opposite process of photosynthesis is called aerobic respiration. To arrive at this answer, let me explain how you can narrow down the options.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose and oxygen. It takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
To find the opposite process, we can eliminate the other answer choices step by step:
1. Calvin Cycle: The Calvin Cycle is actually a part of photosynthesis, specifically the second stage, where carbon dioxide is converted into glucose. So, this is not the opposite process.
2. Dark Reaction: The dark reaction is another name for the second stage of photosynthesis, known as the Calvin Cycle. As mentioned before, this is not the opposite process.
3. Anaerobic Respiration: Anaerobic respiration is a process that occurs in the absence of oxygen, where glucose is broken down to release energy in the form of ATP. Although it is not the opposite of photosynthesis, it is an alternative process that can occur when oxygen is not available.
4. Aerobic Respiration: Aerobic respiration is a process that occurs in the presence of oxygen to break down glucose and release energy in the form of ATP. This is the opposite of photosynthesis since it involves the consumption of oxygen and the production of carbon dioxide, reversing the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis.
Therefore, the opposite of photosynthesis is aerobic respiration.