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.
