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Photosynthesis vs. Cellular Respiration: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Photosynthesis is a process in plants converting light energy to chemical energy, while cellular respiration is the process in cells converting nutrients to energy, releasing carbon dioxide.
Photosynthesis vs. Cellular Respiration

Key Differences

Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy that can be later released to fuel the organism's activities. In contrast, cellular respiration is a set of metabolic reactions and processes that take place in the cells of organisms to convert biochemical energy from nutrients into adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
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Dec 16, 2023
During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water are converted into oxygen and glucose using sunlight. Cellular respiration, on the other hand, involves breaking down glucose and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy (ATP).
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Photosynthesis is primarily performed by plants, algae, and certain bacteria, playing a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere. Cellular respiration occurs in almost all living organisms, both aerobic and anaerobic, and is vital for producing energy required for cellular processes.
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The process of photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, utilizing chlorophyll to capture sunlight. Cellular respiration mainly takes place in the mitochondria of cells, efficiently generating energy through the breakdown of glucose.
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Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interdependent processes. The oxygen and glucose produced during photosynthesis are utilized in cellular respiration, while the carbon dioxide produced during cellular respiration is used in photosynthesis.
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Comparison Chart

Primary Function

Converts light energy into chemical energy.
Converts nutrients into ATP (energy).
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Main Occurrence

In plants, algae, and some bacteria.
In almost all living organisms.
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Key Inputs

Carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight.
Glucose and oxygen.
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Key Outputs

Oxygen and glucose.
Carbon dioxide, water, and ATP.
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Location in Cell

Chloroplasts (using chlorophyll).
Mitochondria.
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Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Definitions

Photosynthesis

Process involving carbon dioxide absorption and oxygen release.
Photosynthesis helps reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
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Cellular Respiration

Process of breaking down glucose to produce energy in cells.
Cellular respiration is crucial for energy production in muscles.
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Photosynthesis

Process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods.
Photosynthesis in plants is essential for their growth.
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Cellular Respiration

Essential for maintaining the energy balance in organisms.
All living organisms rely on cellular respiration for energy.
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Photosynthesis

Conversion of light energy to chemical energy in plants.
Trees undergo photosynthesis to produce glucose.
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Cellular Respiration

Converts biochemical energy from nutrients into ATP.
During exercise, cellular respiration rates increase.
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Photosynthesis

Occurs in plant chloroplasts using chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll is vital for the process of photosynthesis.
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Cellular Respiration

Takes place in the mitochondria of cells.
Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell, driving cellular respiration.
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Photosynthesis

Essential for energy production in the plant kingdom.
Without photosynthesis, plants would not have energy to grow.
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Cellular Respiration

Involves the release of carbon dioxide and water.
Cellular respiration is responsible for our breathing out carbon dioxide.
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Photosynthesis

The process in green plants and certain other organisms by which carbohydrates are synthesized from carbon dioxide and a source of hydrogen (usually water), using light as an energy source. Most forms of photosynthesis release oxygen as a byproduct.
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Photosynthesis

(biology) Any process by which plants and other photoautotrophs convert light energy into chemical energy,
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Photosynthesis

Principally, oxygenic photosynthesis, any process by which plants and algae convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and waste oxygen using solar energy.
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Photosynthesis

Also, non-oxygenic photosynthesis, used by purple and green bacteria, heliobacteria, and acidobacteria.
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Photosynthesis

The process of constructive metabolism by which carbohydrates are formed from water vapor and the carbon dioxide of the air in the chlorophyll-containing tissues of plants exposed to the action of light. It was formerly called assimilation, but this is now commonly used as in animal physiology. The details of the process are not yet clearly known. Baeyer's theory is that the carbon dioxide is reduced to carbon monoxide, which, uniting with the hydrogen of the water in the cell, produces formaldehyde, the latter forming various sugars through polymerization. Vines suggests that the carbohydrates are secretion products of the chloroplasts, derived from decomposition of previously formed proteids. The food substances are usually quickly translocated, those that accumulate being changed to starch, which appears in the cells almost simultaneously with the sugars. The chloroplasts perform photosynthesis only in light and within a certain range of temperature, varying according to climate. This is the only way in which a plant is able to organize carbohydrates. All plants without a chlorophyll apparatus, as the fungi, must be parasitic or saprophytic.
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Photosynthesis

Synthesis of compounds with the aid of radiant energy (especially in plants)
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Repeatedly Asked Queries

What is cellular respiration?

The process of converting nutrients into energy within cells.
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What does cellular respiration produce?

It produces ATP, water, and carbon dioxide.
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What is photosynthesis?

A process where plants convert sunlight into chemical energy.
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What is the main site for cellular respiration?

Cellular respiration mainly occurs in the mitochondria.
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Why is photosynthesis important for the environment?

It absorbs CO2 and releases oxygen, supporting life.
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Do all plants perform photosynthesis?

Most plants do, but some parasitic plants do not.
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How does photosynthesis affect the atmosphere?

It helps regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
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Where does photosynthesis occur?

In the chloroplasts of plant cells.
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How does photosynthesis benefit humans?

It produces oxygen and is essential for food production.
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What are the key inputs for photosynthesis?

Sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
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Can humans perform cellular respiration?

Yes, it's a vital process for energy in human cells.
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Is cellular respiration a form of breathing?

It's a metabolic process, different from physical breathing.
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Is sunlight necessary for cellular respiration?

No, sunlight is not required for cellular respiration.
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What organisms perform cellular respiration?

Almost all living organisms, including plants and animals.
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Do algae perform photosynthesis?

Yes, algae are photosynthetic organisms.
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Can cellular respiration occur without oxygen?

Yes, anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen.
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What is a byproduct of photosynthesis?

Oxygen is a major byproduct.
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What role does ATP play in cellular respiration?

ATP is the main energy currency produced.
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Is glucose a product of cellular respiration?

Glucose is a reactant, not a product, in cellular respiration.
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How does photosynthesis impact food chains?

It's the primary energy source at the base of most food chains.
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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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