The environment can be defined as the surroundings in which as organism lives, including the climate, the physical and chemical conditions of its habitat and its relationship with other living things. Given the above understanding, it is therefore important that the right environment factors are in existence for some chemical reactions to take place. In the absence of optimum environmental factors, organisms would be compelled to adapt themselves to the prevailing environment. Cellular respiration and photosynthesis are two important chemical reactions for which the environment is of paramount importance. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants synthesize organic compounds, primarily sugars, from carbon dioxide, and water using sunlight and chlorophyll. 6 CO2 + 6 H2O C6H12O6 + 6 O2Respiration is the process by which plants and animals metabolically break down organic compounds, mainly carbohydrates to release energy for use such as in the bodily processes, such as active transport. It can be either aerobic or anaerobic.Aerobic meaning respiration requires the presence of oxygen so as to take place. Oxygen is taken by the cell and CO2 out through diffusion or active transport. The carbon dioxide and water produced are used by plants during photosynthesis.C6H12O6 + 6 CO2 6 H2O + 6 CO 2 + ENERGY In anaerobic respiration sugar is broken down to produce ethanol in plants and lactic acid in animals.IN PLANTS:C6H12O6 2 CH3CH2OH + 2CO2 +ENERGYIN ANIMALS:C6H12O6 2CH3CH(OH)COOH + ENERGYThe effects of environment on photosynthesis:1 Light: Depending on the nature of the plant or photosynthetic organism, too much light may be harmful as well as too little light. No light at all hinders the light conversion stage of photosynthesis from taking place. Prolonged absence of light may lead to yellowing and consequent death of the plant. This is due to lack of foo...
