Photosynthesis vs. Cellular Respiration
What is the Difference between Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration? In the case of plants, photosynthesis and cellular respiration are reactions that complement each other.
Infact, it could be said that in both cases it is the same process but in the opposite direction.
The important thing is that whatever the case, if you continue reading you will find the answers you are looking for about the difference between photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
In this sense, we know you need more information to complete your task; although you may also simply be curious about this topic.
Difference between Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Photosynthesis
It is a photoautotrophic process by which plants feed and convert carbon dioxide into organic compounds and oxygen.
Photosynthesis requires sunlight to continue its process. Ultraviolet rays excite the electrons when they come into contact with chlorophyll and so there is a separation of the oxygen molecules from the carbon dioxide.
Thus, carbon molecules once separated from those of oxygen are converted into carbohydrates that are stored in plant cells as energy and food source.
Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts and organelles of plant cells.
Cellular Respiration
In case you still had doubts, yes, the silver also breathes and they do it thanks to its leaves.
In addition to feeding, plants need to breathe and in them, the breathing process results in the opposite of photosynthesis: glucose and oxygen conversion into carbon dioxide and water.
Unlike photosynthesis, cellular respiration does not require the constant presence of sunlight; in addition, it occurs all the time; while photosynthesis occurs from time to time.
Key differences between Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
- Photosynthesis releases oxygen and other organic compounds, while cellular respiration releases carbon dioxide and water.
- Photosynthesis is an endothermic process (requires energy), while cellular respiration is an exothermic (energy-releasing) process.
- To process photosynthesis, the presence of a catalyst (chlorophyll) is must, whereas in the cellular respiration process the catalysts are not necessary.
- Photosynthesis does not occur all the time, while cellular respiration does.
- Cellular respiration takes place in the mitochondria of cells, while photosynthesis requires energy and produces food, cellular respiration breaks down food and releases energy.
- Plants perform both photosynthesis and respiration, while animals can only perform respiration.
