Comparison of Photosynthesis and Aerobic Cellular Respiration
Photosynthesis and aerobic cellular respiration are the two forms of energy formation used by living things. One of these two processes is used by every known plant and animal. The processes are different but in many ways complementary. Because this is one of the most basic functions of life, it is important to learn how these functions work.
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The primary difference between photosynthesis and aerobic cellular respiration is what uses each. Green plants use photosynthesis to create what they need to survive. Chloroplasts contained in the plant's greenery collect sunlight and convert the energy into a chemical process. Animals do not have these chloroplasts. They require food instead of sunlight, and use aerobic respiration to turn this food into energy. Plants also use aerobic cellular respiration, but they do this with the "food" created during photosynthesis.
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In photosynthesis, carbon dioxide combines with water and sunlight to create oxygen and glucose. This is the opposite of aerobic cellular respiration, which uses oxygen (this is where the "aerobic" comes from) and produces carbon dioxide. This results in plants and animals giving each other the necessary components to survive.
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Photosynthesis requires the plant to take in sunlight, water and carbon dioxide; it does not require the intake of organic matter. Aerobic cellular respiration, on the other hand, requires organic matter. Food is necessary for the process to begin. Photosynthetic plants are able to produce this food on their own, making them primary producers. Animals, on the other hand, as consumers, need to take in food from the outside.
Different Goal
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They end results of photosynthesis and aerobic respiration are another point of difference. In photosynthesis, the organism is trying to produce a form of sugar. In aerobic respiration, the organism takes this sugar (obtained either through photosynthesis or eating) and transforms it into ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate). It is this ATP that provides energy for various life functions.
Shared Goal
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In the end, the goal of both photosynthesis and aerobic cellular respiration is to provide energy to the organism's cells. The photosynthesis provides glucose to the plant. This glucose can later be used to form ATP through the process of cellular respiration. Both are functions necessary to keep the plant alive.
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References
- Photo Credit PLANT image by brelsbil from Fotolia.com
