Compare and Contrast photosynthesis and respiration








Cellular Respiration
Photosynthesis
Reactants
C6H12O6 and 6O2
6CO2 and 12H2O and light energy
Requirement of sunlight
Sunlight not required; cellular respiration occurs at all times.
Can occur only in presence of sunlight
Chemical Equation (formula)
6O2 + C6H12O6 --> 6CO2 +6H2O + ATP (energy)
6CO2 + 12H2O + light --> C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H20
Fate of oxygen and carbon dioxide
Oxygen is absorbed and carbon dioxide is released.
Carbon dioxide is absorbed and oxygen is released.
Energy required or released?
Releases energy as ATP molecules
Requires energy (sunlight)
Main function
Breakdown of food. Energy release.
Production of food. Energy Capture.
Chemical reaction
Glucose is broken down into water and carbon dioxide (and energy).
Carbon dioxide and water combine in presence of sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen.
Occurs in which organelle?
Mitochondria
Chloroplasts
Occurs in which organisms?
Occurs in all living organisms (plants and animals).
Occurs in plants




Similarities: 1) They are both a series of enzyme controlled reactions

                      2) both can occur in plant cells and are essential for the survival of plants