Generally, the biological process of respiration and photosynthesis work through mutual relationships. However, there are differences between the biological process of photosynthesis and respiration in terms of their functionality. This essay tends to unveil the comparative elements of photosynthesis and respiration in terms of their functionality.
Photosynthesis is a biological process that takes place only in phototrophs (all green plants and some bacteria) to make energy. Photosynthesis is known as an anabolic process. In this process, carbon dioxide, light energy, and water are consumed by the plants. The by-products of this process are glucose, water, and oxygen. This process can only take place in the presence of light (only in the daytime). Photosynthesis occurs within the chloroplast which has chlorophyll in it. Chlorophyll is a green pigment that is responsible for this biological process. This process helps the plants to produce food and capture energy for their usage. The energy is stored in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
Respiration takes place in all living organisms. The biological process of respiration is catabolic in nature. In this process, oxygen is the main component. In simple words, oxygen is taken in and carbon dioxide is released out through respiration. The blood cells take the oxygen and the alveoli take the carbon dioxide through diffusion. The by-product of this process is carbon dioxide. This process does not require the presence of light. Therefore, this process takes place all the time. The process of cellular respiration takes place within the mitochondria of the cells.
In a nutshell, the reactants and bi-products are different for these biological processes. However, both biological processes exhibit a mutual relationship. The bi-products of photosynthesis are essential for respiration and vice versa. Photosynthesis and Respiration can also be understood as complementing biological processes.
