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Class XI · Chapter 12 · Walkthrough

Bioenergetics — the flow of energy

01 · Photosynthesis

Capturing the Sun's energy

In the chloroplast, chlorophyll traps light energy and uses it to turn CO₂ and water into glucose, releasing oxygen.

6CO₂ + 6H₂O —(light)→ C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
02 · Respiration

Releasing it again as ATP

In the mitochondrion, glucose is broken down using oxygen to release energy as ATP, giving off CO₂ and water.

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP
03 · Anaerobic

When oxygen runs short

With no oxygen, cells respire anaerobically for a little ATP: musclelactic acid (fatigue); yeastethanol + CO₂ (fermentation, used in bread & brewing).

04 · The cycle

Two halves of one cycle

What photosynthesis makes (glucose + O₂) is what respiration uses; what respiration makes (CO₂ + water) is what photosynthesis reuses. Matter cycles — but energy flows one way, from the Sun to heat.

🔬 Energy-flow viewerphotosynthesis
Watch reactants flow in and products flow out.