Distinguish Between Photosynthesis and Respiration
Photosynthesis is a biochemical process in green plants (and some bacteria) where light energy converts to chemical energy, stored as sugars (glucose). This reaction requires sunlight, chlorophyll, carbon dioxide, and water, producing oxygen and glucose essential for plant growth.
Respiration is a metabolic process in all living organisms (including plants, but at different phases) that converts oxygen and glucose into carbon dioxide, water, and energy (ATP). Respiration does not require sunlight and happens continuously to supply energy for cellular functions. Below is all the information and the key difference between Photosynthesis and Respiration:
Difference Between Photosynthesis and Respiration
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FAQs on Difference Between Photosynthesis Vs Respiration: Definitions and Key Concepts
1. What are 5 differences between respiration and photosynthesis?
Gas Exchange Direction
Respiration: Consumes oxygen (O₂) and releases carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Photosynthesis: Consumes CO₂ and releases O₂.
Energy Flow
Respiration: Releases energy by breaking down glucose (catabolic process).
Photosynthesis: Stores energy by producing glucose (anabolic process).
Primary Organelle
Respiration: Primarily occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells.
Photosynthesis: Primarily occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells and algae.
Overall Chemical Equation
Respiration: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy (ATP).
Photosynthesis: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Light Energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.
Time of Occurrence
Respiration: Occurs constantly (day and night).
Photosynthesis: Occurs mainly in the presence of light.
2. What are 4 differences between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?
Reactants and Products
Photosynthesis: Uses CO₂, H₂O, and light energy; Produces glucose and O₂.
Cellular Respiration: Uses glucose and O₂; Produces CO₂, H₂O, and ATP.
Energy Aspect
Photosynthesis: Converts light energy into chemical energy (in glucose).
Cellular Respiration: Converts chemical energy (from glucose) into ATP.
Pathways
Photosynthesis: Consists of light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle.
Cellular Respiration: Involves glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
Organisms
Photosynthesis: Occurs in photoautotrophs (plants, algae, some bacteria).
Cellular Respiration: Occurs in nearly all living organisms (plants, animals, fungi, protists, and most bacteria).
3. What are 5 differences between photosynthesis and transpiration?
Definition
Photosynthesis: A process by which green plants synthesise glucose using sunlight, CO₂, and H₂O.
Transpiration: The loss of water vapor through the stomata in plant leaves.
Primary Function
Photosynthesis: Produces food (glucose) and releases oxygen.
Transpiration: Helps in the uptake and transport of water and minerals, and cools the plant.
Location in Plant
Photosynthesis: Occurs in chloroplast-containing cells (mostly in leaf mesophyll).
Transpiration: Occurs through stomata (tiny openings usually on leaf surfaces).
Energy Involvement
Photosynthesis: Requires light energy to drive reactions.
Transpiration: Passive process driven by temperature, humidity, and wind—no direct energy input from the plant.
Gas vs. Water Exchange
Photosynthesis: Primarily involves the exchange of gases (CO₂ in, O₂ out).
Transpiration: Primarily involves water vapor loss from the leaf interior to the atmosphere.
4. What is the difference between respiration and photosynthesis (brief overview)?
Respiration is a biochemical process where organisms break down glucose with oxygen to release usable energy (ATP), producing CO₂ and H₂O.
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some microorganisms use light energy to convert CO₂ and H₂O into glucose and O₂.
5. What are 5 similarities between photosynthesis and respiration?
Involve Energy Transformations
Both processes revolve around the transfer of energy, either storing it (photosynthesis) or releasing it (respiration).
Depend on Enzymes
Specific enzymes catalyse reactions in both pathways.
Involve Electron Transport Chains
Photosynthesis has an electron transport chain in the thylakoid membranes; respiration has one in the mitochondrial membranes.
Occur in Specific Organelles
Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts; respiration in mitochondria. Both organelles have specialised membranes crucial for their respective processes.
Crucial for Life
Together, they sustain the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, supporting the biosphere.
6. What are 5 differences between respiration and breathing?
Definition
Respiration (Cellular): A chemical process in cells that generates ATP from glucose and oxygen.
Breathing (Ventilation): A physical process of inhaling and exhaling air using the respiratory system (lungs in humans).
Location
Respiration: Occurs at the cellular level in mitochondria.
Breathing: Occurs in respiratory organs (lungs, airways).
Voluntary vs. Involuntary
Respiration: An involuntary, continuous biochemical process.
Breathing: Mostly involuntary but can be consciously controlled.
Energy Production
Respiration: Directly produces ATP.
Breathing: Does not produce ATP; simply brings in O₂ and expels CO₂.
Gaseous Exchange Mechanism
Respiration: Refers to the use of oxygen inside cells to oxidise glucose.
Breathing: Refers to the external exchange of gases between the body and the environment.
7. What is the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration?
Complementary Processes: Photosynthesis and respiration form a cycle that maintains the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Plants produce oxygen and glucose through photosynthesis; animals (and plants themselves) use that oxygen and glucose in cellular respiration to generate ATP, releasing CO₂ back into the environment.
8. What are 3 key differences between photosynthesis and cellular respiration (succinctly)?
Energy Direction
Photosynthesis: Energy input (sunlight → chemical energy).
Respiration: Energy output (chemical energy → ATP).
Organelles Involved
Photosynthesis: Chloroplasts.
Respiration: Mitochondria.
Gas Usage
Photosynthesis: CO₂ in, O₂ out.
Respiration: O₂ in, CO₂ out.
9. Do plants undergo respiration at night?
Yes, plants respire 24/7. At night, photosynthesis does not occur (no light), but respiration continues.
10. Where does the oxygen released during photosynthesis come from?
From splitting water (H₂O) molecules in the light-dependent reactions, releasing O₂.
11. Why do stomata matter for both photosynthesis and transpiration?
Stomata allow CO₂ to enter for photosynthesis and permit water vapor to exit during transpiration.
