Differences between Respiration and Photosynthesis

The upcoming discussion will update you about the differences between respiration and photosynthesis.

Respiration:

1. It takes place in all the living cells of plant.

2. This catabolic process continues throughout the day and night.

3. Utilizes oxygen and carbohydrates.

4. The end products of respiration are carbon dioxide and water.

5. The energy released from carbohydrates and other respiratory substrates is trapped in ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) on oxidation. However, some energy is also lost in the form of heat.

6. Through the process of oxidative phos­phorylation, oxidation of carbohydrates yields ATP molecules – the energy currency in living organisms.

7. Hydrogen released in oxidation of carbohydrates is trapped in a hydrogen acceptor NAD which is reduced to NADH₂.

8. ATP synthesized during respiration is used in various metabolic processes.

9. In respiration, glycolysis takes place in the cytoplasm and oxidation of pyruvic acid takes place within mitochondria.

10. Generally, the rate of respiration is less than that of photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis:

1. It takes place only in the cells containing chlorophyll.

2. It takes place only in the presence of light.

3. Photosynthesis utilizes carbon dioxide and water.

4. The end products of photosynthesis are carbohydrates and oxygen.

5. During photosynthesis, the light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of carbohydrate.

6. Through the process of Photophosphorylation during photosynthesis ATP molecules are synthesized by the conversion of light energy.

7. Hydrogen released during the photolysis of water is accepted by NADP which is reduced to NADPH₂.

8. ATP synthesized is used in the dark reaction of photosynthesis.

9. The entire process of photosynthesis occurs in chloroplast.

10. Rate of photosynthesis is usually 20 times more than that of respiration.