The main difference between photosynthesis and respiration is: Photosynthesis is the process of converting light energy into chemical energy which is observed in green plants and some bacteria due to the presence of chlorophyll. It occurs in the chloroplasts in the presence of sunlight. It is an anabolic process that requires carbon dioxide, sunlight, and water to produce glucose, oxygen, and water. It is an endothermic reaction. Respiration is the process by which living organisms convert energy for the use of the cells in the absence of chlorophyll. It occurs in the mitochondria of the cell. It does not require the presence of sunlight. It is a catabolic process that requires glucose and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. It is an exothermic reaction.

What is Photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process of conversion of light energy into chemical energy in the presence of chlorophyll. It is the process through which green plants produce their food. This process does not occur in living beings (humans or other living cells) due to the absence of chlorophyll. It is an anabolic process in which carbon dioxide, sunlight, and water are converted into glucose, oxygen, and water. It is an endothermic process that occurs in the presence of sunlight. Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts. Its chemical reaction is:

6CO₂ + 6H₂O ⇒ C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

What is Respiration?

Respiration is the process of taking oxygen from the environment for the blood cells of the living organism. It is converting glucose in the body and oxygen taken by living beings into carbon dioxide and water. This process does not occur in plants. It helps in the breakdown of elements during breathing. It is a catabolic process in which glucose and oxygen are converted into carbon dioxide and water. It is an exothermic process that does not require sunlight. Respiration occurs in the mitochondria of the cell. Its chemical reaction is:

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ ⇒ 6CO₂ + 6H₂O

Similarities Between Photosynthesis and Respiration

Photosynthesis and respiration both convert one form of energy to another state. The process of photosynthesis requires carbon dioxide which is released in respiration. The process of respiration requires oxygen which is released in photosynthesis. Both process resultant gases are reactant products for each other. The gases released by one process are taken by other.

Difference Between Photosynthesis and Respiration

FAQs on Photosynthesis And Respiration

Question 1: What is Photosynthesis?

Answer: 

Photosynthesis is the process in which green plants convert light energy into chemical energy in the presence of chlorophyll and sunlight.

Question 2: What is Respiration?

Answer: 

Respiration is the process by which living organisms convert energy for the use of the cells.

Question 3: Name the reactant products of Respiration.

Answer:

The reactant products of respiration are glucose and oxygen.

Question 4: Name the resultant product of Photosynthesis.

Answer: 

The resultant product of photosynthesis is glucose, oxygen, and water.