About the Difference of Photosynthesis & Respiration

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are part of a complementary cycle of biochemical reactions. Photosynthesis and respiration are involved in how cells make, store and use energy. Almost all cells perform respiration but only green plants, algae and some bacteria perform photosynthesis.

Function

Photosynthesis and respiration are complementary reactions because cells require the products of photosynthesis to complete the respiration reaction, and likewise require the products of respiration to complete photosynthesis.

Reactants

The reactants in a chemical reaction are substances that are transformed during the reaction. The reactants in photosynthesis are carbon dioxide and water, and the reactants in cellular respiration are oxygen and glucose.

Products

The products in a chemical reaction are the substances formed during the reaction. Carbon dioxide and water are the products of respiration, and oxygen and glucose are the products of photosynthesis.

Cyclical Reactions

During photosynthesis cells convert the reactants carbon dioxide and water into the products sugar (glucose) and oxygen gas.

During respiration, cells covert the reactants oxygen and glucose into the products carbon dioxide and water. In the process, a form of chemical energy called ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is released.

Significance

ATP is the form of energy all cells require to perform the functions necessary to life. In other words, during respiration, sugar is converted into the form of chemical energy cells can use and store.

References

• Respiration and Photosynthesis
• Biology: Concepts and Connections; Neil A. Campbell; 2009