What is the difference between respiration and photosynthesis?

Question

Lydia Adams · Accepted Answer

Photosynthesis produces glucose, respiration uses glucose to release energy. They are essentially the reverse of each other.

Photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction that results in the production of glucose and oxygen through the reaction of energy, carbon dioxide, and water. #"glucose "+ " oxygen" " (+ energy)" ->" carbon dioxide " + " water"# #"C"_6"H"_12"O"_6 + 6"O"_2 -> 6"CO"_2 + 6"H"_2"O"# The process of respiration is the synthesis of energy from glucose; it is exothermic, utilizing oxygen and glucose to produce water, carbon dioxide, and energy. #"carbon dioxide " + " water" + " energy" -> " glucose" + "oxygen"#>#6"CO"_2 + 6"H"_2"O" -> "C"_6"H"_12"O"_6 + 6"O"_2# The equations show that they are basically the opposite of one another. The way they are used also differs: while photosynthesis is exclusive to plants, respiration takes place in the mitochondria of all living cells. Plants use photosynthesis to produce their own glucose, which they then use through respiration to get usable energy. Glucose can be stored for use in a variety of ways beyond respiration. I hope this is useful.

Madeline Andrews · Answer

undefined Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and certain microorganisms convert light energy into glucose and release oxygen as a byproduct. Respiration is the process by which cells break down glucose to release energy, producing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.