Compare respiration and photosynthesis with examples.

Comparison of Respiration and Photosynthesis

Respiration and photosynthesis are complementary biochemical processes that sustain life. While photosynthesis captures energy from light to produce glucose and oxygen, respiration breaks down glucose to release energy in the form of ATP.

Feature Photosynthesis Respiration
Definition Process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy (glucose). Process by which cells break down glucose to produce ATP (energy).
Occurs in Chloroplasts (in plants, algae, and some bacteria). Mitochondria (in plants, animals, fungi, and most bacteria).
Energy Source Light energy (from the sun). Chemical energy (from glucose).
Reactants Carbon dioxide (CO₂), Water (H₂O), and Light. Oxygen (O₂) and Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆).
Products Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and Oxygen (O₂). Carbon dioxide (CO₂), Water (H₂O), and ATP.
Equation 6CO2+6H2O+light→C6H12O6+6O2 C6H12O6+6O2→6CO2+6H2O+ATP
Type of Process Anabolic (builds up molecules). Catabolic (breaks down molecules).
Energy Flow Stores energy. Releases energy.
Organisms Performing It Plants, algae, cyanobacteria. All living organisms (plants, animals, fungi, bacteria).
Time of Occurrence Daytime (requires light). All the time (day and night).

Examples

  1. Photosynthesis Example:
    • A sunflower absorbs sunlight through its leaves and converts CO₂ and H₂O into glucose and O₂.
  2. Respiration Example:
    • A human eats an apple (containing glucose), which is broken down in the cells to release ATP for movement, digestion, and other functions.

Related Questions:

  1. Define enzyme and describe their characteristics and specifications.
  2. What is the energy of activation? Explain with reference to enzyme.
  3. What happens to enzymes when you increase or decrease: (a) Temperature (b) pH (c) Substrate concentration?
  4. Only the related key can open the lock. How is this fact true for enzymes? Explain with examples.
  5. Describe the structure and uses of ATP.
  6. Describe and sketch light reactions of photosynthesis.
  7. Describe and sketch dark reactions of photosynthesis?
  8. Explain the factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis.
  9. Why are enzymes called biological catalysts?
  10. Name the factors affecting enzyme activity. At what pH do pepsin and trypsin enzymes act the best?
  11. What happens to an enzyme when it is frozen below 0°C?
  12. What happens when a protein-digesting enzyme functions in an acidic medium?
  13. How does an enzyme lower the activation energy?
  14. Why are enzymes specific and why can’t each one speed up many different reactions?
  15. Why is a small quantity of enzyme enough for catalyzing a large number of substrate molecules into products?
  16. According to the induced fit model, the active site is flexible. Does it mean that any substrate can attach to this flexible active site? If not, then explain.
  17. Sketch the structure of ATP.
  18. Write the equation of: a) Photosynthesis b) Fermentation c) Aerobic respiration
  19. Name the products of anaerobic respiration in muscle cells.
  20. Why is a part of photosynthesis called dark reactions?