Both are biochemical processes widely known for maintaining energy flow in cyclic manner. Photosynthesis is an anabolic; whereas, respiration is catabolic in which complex molecules subject to break down in simpler form. For detail, let’s find out photosynthesis Vs respiration differences.
Understanding photosynthesis vs respiration process
In the layman’s language, it is a food manufacturing biochemical process. Technically, photosynthesis is a biochemical process by which biomolecules or food is produced with the help of carbon dioxide, water, sunlight as raw materials at the site of mesophyll of the green plants.
Like this process, chlorophyll, a green pigment, which absorbs light, facilitates the process of synthesis. As the by-products, it generates oxygen and glucose.
Carbon dioxide + Water + Sunlight = Glucose + oxygen.
Not all plants are capable of performing photosynthesis process. Only those which have green pigment (Chlorophyll) are able to convert light energy to chemical energy. This process of photosynthesis also known as anabolic process. Now, let’s know the other process of photosynthesis Vs respiration.
Biochemical process of cellular respiration
The main function of cellular respiration is to release energy from molecules generated by photosynthesis. It need oxygen as raw material to break down these glucose molecules in carbon dioxide and water as by-products. In this process, it produces energy (ATP) as final product.
Glucose + Oxygen = Carbon dioxide + Water + (ATP)
Energy released by respiration is vital in fuelling the body functioning like, repairing cells, forming proteins from amino acids, catalysing required reactions in body, etc.
Biologically, respiration is catagorized as aerobic and anaerobic respirations. Aerobic respiration happen with the help of oxygen in plants and animals. While, anarobic respiration doesn’t need oxygen to function but releases energy more quickly than aerobic respiration. Anarobic respiration happens in microorganisms. In scientific terms, respiration is catabolic process.
Photosynthesis Vs respiration differences
Photosynthesis and respiration are biochemical but first is anabolic and second catabolic.
Respiration uses glucose and oxygen to break down in carbon dioxide and energy(ATP). While photosynthesis takes carbon dioxide, sunlight and water as raw materials to produce glucose and oxygen.
In terms of respiration, it occurs at the cellular level in both microorganisms as well as plants and animals. Whereas, photosynthesis only possible in plants having green pigment Chlorophyll.
So, photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts. But, respiration takes place in mitochondria cell organelle.
Chemically, photosynthesis is endothermic, whereas, respiration is exergonic reaction.
Endothermic means heat energy gets absorbed. On the other hand, in exergonic reaction, heat is released.
Last words on photosynthesis vs respiration
Though both photosynthesis Vs respiration looks contradictory, they complement each other in proper functioning of live organisms. One works to produce much needed energy, whereas, other releases it for final consumption.
Not all plants are capable of performing photosynthesis. So, it is prime function of autotrophs to convert light energy to chemical to feed million numbers herbivores and carnivores.
This is all about the difference between Photosynthesis vs respiration biology concepts.
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