Photosynthesis vs Respiration: Key Differences with Table

Photosynthesis

• 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ (in presence of light and chlorophyll)
• Occurs only in green plants (cells with chloroplasts)
• Anabolic process — builds glucose from CO₂ and water
• Endothermic — absorbs light energy and stores as chemical energy
• Occurs only in sunlight (daytime)
• Takes in CO₂, releases O₂

Respiration

• C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy (ATP)
• Occurs in ALL living cells (in mitochondria)
• Catabolic process — breaks down glucose to release energy
• Exothermic — releases energy as ATP
• Occurs 24/7 (both day and night, continuously)
• Takes in O₂, releases CO₂

Key Differences

• Energy: Photosynthesis absorbs, Respiration releases
• Gas exchange: Photosynthesis uses CO₂/releases O₂, Respiration uses O₂/releases CO₂
• Organelle: Photosynthesis in chloroplasts, Respiration in mitochondria
• When: Photosynthesis only in light, Respiration always
• Type: Photosynthesis is anabolic, Respiration is catabolic
• Organisms: Photosynthesis only in autotrophs, Respiration in all organisms