Difference Between Photosynthesis And Respiration

Respiration is something that occurs in all living organisms. Thus, it is a process that converts oxygen and glucose into carbon dioxide and water and ultimately makes energy for your body cells. On the other hand, photosynthesis takes place in green plants that contain chlorophyll. In this process, they make use of sunlight and water for converting it into energy. Thus, you will see that they are two reciprocal processes that aim to obtain energy but through different methods and sources. In order to understand the difference between photosynthesis and respiration, we need to take a look at what they mean.

Definition of Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process where light energy converts into chemical energy and stores in sugar. Further, it is a process occurring in chloroplasts making the use of chlorophyll. When we talk about the chemical formula, we see that the process needs six molecules of carbon dioxide and six molecules of water along with energy from light. Thus, it results in creating a sugar chain and six units of oxygen. Moreover, chlorophyll is green as the light which photosynthesis requires is red and blue light. Hence, it leaves the green light to be reflected back to your eyes.

Definition of Respiration

Respiration is a process that enables all living creatures, except for plants, to gain oxygen from the air for using it in blood and cells. Thus, you see that oxygen is quite an essential nutrient. Moreover, it is not possible for living organisms to survive five minutes without it. Thus, you see that even if one manages to reestablish the oxygen flow, the damage can be irreparable. Further, there is Alveoli which helps in the exchange of oxygen-rich air with carbon dioxide-rich blood cells. As a result, diffusion takes place because of the difference in pressure between alveoli and blood. In other words, the pressure of alveoli is higher and that of blood is lower. So, the blood cells take the oxygen and alveoli takes the carbon dioxide.

Difference between Photosynthesis And Respiration

Basis of Comparison	Photosynthesis	Respiration
Meaning	It is the process in which green plants and few bacteria use sunlight and water to convert it into energy.	It refers to the process in which all living organisms except plants convert energy and offer to the different cells of the body.
Occurrence	Occurs in plants containing chlorophyll and some bacteria	Occurs in all living organisms
By-Products	Glucose, oxygen, and water	Carbon dioxide, water, and energy (ATP)
Process	It takes place in chloroplasts	It takes place in mitochondria
Undergoes	Anabolic process	Catabolic process
Reactants	Carbon dioxide, water, and light energy	Glucose and oxygen
Reaction	Endothermic reaction because it needs energy	Exergonic reaction because it releases energy
Function	Produces food and captures the energy	Takes in oxygen and liberates out carbon dioxide
Sunlight	Requires sunlight because it is mandatory	Does not require sunlight as it takes place all the time
CO2 and water	Absorbs carbon dioxide and water	Releases carbon dioxide and water
Chemical reaction	6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2	C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O

More details about Photosynthesis

As you all know by now, the equation for photosynthesis is:

6CO₂ + 6H₂O+ Sunlight → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

You will notice in the above reaction that hydrogen ions are released when oxidation of water in the presence of sunlight and oxygen happens. Thus, the removed hydrogen ions and electrons move to carbon dioxide and reduce as the organic product.

The process also involves enzymes and other reactions. It divides into two stages of light and dark reaction. The energy absorbs in the light reaction and transfers to electrons and produces ATP and reduction of NADPH.

On the other hand, in dark reaction, the carbon dioxide reduces to organic carbon compounds with the help of ATP and NADPH.

More details about Respiration

Respiration is a complex process that has four stages. Firstly, there is glycolysis which means splitting or breaking of the sugar. After that, there is a transition reaction.

Further, there is a citric acid cycle or Krebs cycle which releases carbon dioxide and water as a waste product. Finally, there is an Electron Transport Chain (ETC) which generates 32 ATP for every glucose.

FAQs about Photosynthesis And Respiration

Question 1: Give one difference between photosynthesis and respiration.

Answer 1: The difference between photosynthesis and respiration is that the former requires sunlight whereas the latter does not require sunlight.

Question 2: What are the by-products of photosynthesis?

Answer 2: Glucose, oxygen, and water are the by-products of photosynthesis.