Summary
Photosynthesis stores energy in glucose and releases oxygen; respiration releases that energy and consumes oxygen.
In depth
Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts, using CO2 and water, producing glucose and O2; respiration occurs in mitochondria (and cytoplasm), consuming glucose and O2. Both use electron transport chains and chemiosmosis. Their equations are roughly reverses.
The processes mirror each other: photosynthesis builds, respiration breaks down. Together they cycle carbon through ecosystems.
Example: a plant at night respires but cannot photosynthesise.
Photosynthesis and respiration are roughly opposite processes. Photosynthesis, in chloroplasts, uses light, CO2 and water to make glucose and release O2, storing energy. Respiration, in mitochondria, breaks down glucose with O2 into CO2 and water, releasing energy for ATP.
Plants do both: photosynthesis only when there is light, respiration all the time. At the compensation point, the rate of photosynthesis equals respiration so there is no net gas exchange. The two processes link the carbon and oxygen cycles, and the ATP made in photosynthesis is used in the Calvin cycle rather than distributed around the cell.
Example: plants release net CO2 at night.
Common mistake: plants do not only photosynthesise; they also respire.
Frequently asked questions
What is Photosynthesis vs Respiration?
Photosynthesis stores energy in glucose and releases oxygen; respiration releases that energy and consumes oxygen.
Which area of biology covers Photosynthesis vs Respiration, and how advanced is it?
Photosynthesis vs Respiration is one of the 53 topics in Metabolism & Bioenergetics. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Cellular Respiration, Oxidative Phosphorylation, Light Reactions and ATP Synthesis.
Can you give an example of Photosynthesis vs Respiration?
Plants do both; at the compensation point, rates are equal.
What should I learn before Photosynthesis vs Respiration?
Photosynthesis vs Respiration is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Metabolism & Bioenergetics that pair well with it include Metabolism, Anabolism and Catabolism, ATP.
What topics are related to Photosynthesis vs Respiration?
The closest topics to Photosynthesis vs Respiration are Cellular Respiration, Oxidative Phosphorylation, Light Reactions and ATP Synthesis, ATP. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Photosynthesis vs Respiration?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Photosynthesis vs Respiration. To practise the whole of Metabolism & Bioenergetics, use the Metabolism & Bioenergetics quiz.
How is Photosynthesis vs Respiration different from Cellular Respiration?
Photosynthesis vs Respiration: Photosynthesis stores energy in glucose and releases oxygen; respiration releases that energy and consumes oxygen. Cellular Respiration: The process of releasing energy from glucose to make ATP, using oxygen in the aerobic form. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
What is a common mistake about Photosynthesis vs Respiration?
Plants do not only photosynthesise; they also respire.
How should I study Photosynthesis vs Respiration step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Cellular Respiration and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Metabolism & Bioenergetics quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.