Question

Why doesn't an animal cell need to photosynthesize in order for cellular respiration to occur

Answer 1

Hi!

In order for cellular respiration to occur in a cell, the cell needs to have glucose molecules to utilize in the reaction which is as follows:

C6H12O6 + 6 O2  -->  6 CO2  + 6 H2O + ATP (energy)

Cellular respiration cannot occur in the absence of glucose. Plant cells acquire this glucose from photosynthesis:

6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy = C6H12O6 + 6O2

Animal cells do not need to photsynthesize because they acquire the amount of  glucose for cellular reaction from their diet/consumption. Herbivores acquire this glucose from plants, carnivores from feeding off other animals, and omnivores from both feeding off plants and animals.

Hope this helps!