Understanding the Key Differences Between Bacterial and Plant Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process by which organisms convert light energy into chemical energy. While plants are well-known for photosynthesis, certain bacteria can also perform photosynthesis, but their process differs in key ways.
Understanding the difference between bacterial photosynthesis and plant photosynthesis helps us learn how various organisms capture and utilise energy.
What is Bacterial Photosynthesis?
Bacterial photosynthesis occurs in photosynthetic bacteria, including purple sulfur bacteria, green sulfur bacteria, and cyanobacteria. Unlike plants, some bacteria perform anoxygenic photosynthesis, meaning they do not release oxygen.
Examples of Photosynthetic Bacteria:
Cyanobacteria – Oxygenic photosynthesis (produces O₂)
Purple Sulfur Bacteria – Anoxygenic photosynthesis (does not produce O₂)
Green Sulfur Bacteria – Uses hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) instead of water
What is Plant Photosynthesis?
Plant photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, converting light energy into chemical energy and releasing oxygen as a byproduct.
Examples of Photosynthetic Plants:
Green plants (e.g., trees, grass, flowers)
Algae (e.g., seaweed, diatoms)
Cyanobacteria (oxygenic bacteria similar to plant photosynthesis)
Table of Differences – Bacterial Photosynthesis vs Plant Photosynthesis
Essential Study Materials for NEET UG Success
FAQs on Difference Between Bacterial Photosynthesis and Plant Photosynthesis | NEET
1. What is the difference between bacterial photosynthesis and photosynthesis in plants?
Bacterial photosynthesis can be oxygenic or anoxygenic, while plant photosynthesis is always oxygenic. Plants use chloroplasts, whereas bacteria use internal membranes for photosynthesis.
2. What are the differences between bacteria and plants?
Bacteria are prokaryotic, meaning they lack a nucleus and organelles, while plants are eukaryotic, having a nucleus and specialised organelles like chloroplasts.
3. What is the difference between the chlorophyll present in bacteria and plants?
Plants use chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, while photosynthetic bacteria (except cyanobacteria) use bacteriochlorophylls, which absorb different wavelengths of light.
4. What is the difference between photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic bacteria?
Photosynthetic bacteria can capture light energy to produce ATP, while non-photosynthetic bacteria rely on chemical energy sources for survival.
5. What are the differences between the two types of photosynthesis?
There are oxygenic photosynthesis (plants, cyanobacteria) that produce oxygen, and anoxygenic photosynthesis (purple and green sulfur bacteria) that do not produce oxygen.
6. What is produced during bacterial photosynthesis?
Depending on the type, bacterial photosynthesis produces ATP, NADH/NADPH, and either oxygen (in oxygenic bacteria) or sulfur compounds (in anoxygenic bacteria).
7. What is the main difference between bacteria and plants in photosynthesis?
Plants always use water (H₂O) as an electron donor, producing oxygen, whereas bacteria may use other electron donors like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S).
8. Do all bacteria perform photosynthesis?
No, only photosynthetic bacteria such as cyanobacteria, purple sulfur bacteria, and green sulfur bacteria can perform photosynthesis.
9. How do cyanobacteria photosynthesise differently from plants?
Cyanobacteria perform oxygenic photosynthesis like plants but do not have chloroplasts; instead, they use thylakoid membranes inside their cells.
10. Can bacterial photosynthesis occur in the absence of oxygen?
Yes, anoxygenic bacteria perform photosynthesis without producing oxygen by using alternative electron donors like hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) or organic compounds.
