Autotrophs, like plants, make their own food through a process called photosynthesis. Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts. Plants use energy from the sun, water, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) to make glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆). The glucose will provide food for the plants and other organisms that eat the plants, and the food will be transformed into usable energy.

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All living things need energy. Cellular Respiration is the process that makes this happen! Cellular respiration occurs in the mitochondria. Organisms need energy all of the time, so this cycle is continuous. Unlike photosynthesis, respiration can happen with or without light. The whole purpose of cellular respiration is to release the energy from food and package that energy into an energy molecule (ATP).

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