10 Difference between Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis

Respiration is a complex process which includes absorption of oxygen, conversion of complex substance like carbohydrates to carbon dioxide and water with release of energy as ATP to drive all cellular activities and as a result there is loss of weight. Where as in photosynthesis complex carbohydrates are built up from simpler substances like carbon dioxide and water with the release of oxygen. Thus respiration is altogether is a reverse process of photosynthesis.

Respiration vs Photosynthesis

Respiration	Photosynthesis
It takes place in all the living cells, both green(Chlorophyllated) and non green	It takes place only in chlorophyllous cells
It occurs in light and dark, both conditions	It occurs only in light
Glycolysis: in cytoplasm Citric acid cycle or Krebs cycle: mitochondrial matrix Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation: in inner mitochondrial membrane	Light reaction: grana of chloroplast Dark reaction or calvin cycle or CO2 fixation: stroma of chloroplast Water splitting complex or photolysis: thylakoid lumen
Oxygen is utilized and carbon dioxide and water are formed. C6H12O6 + 6O2-> 6CO2 + 6 H2O+ energy	Carbon dioxide and water are used while oxygen is evolved. 6CO2 + 12H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6H2O+ 6O2
It is a catabolic process and includes the destruction of stored food	It is an anabolic process and includes the manufacture food
Oxygen is absorbed in the process	Oxygen is liberated
Carbohydrates are oxidised	Carbohydrates are synthesised
Energy is released during respiration and hence it is an exothermic process.	Energy is stored during this process and hence it is an endothermic process.
Energy is liberated in the form of ATP.	Light energy is stored in the form of glucose or chemical energy.
Dry weight of plants decreases	Dry weight of plants increases
Oxidative phosphorylation occurs	Photophosphorylation occurs
During the process, potential energy is converted to kinetic energy.	Light energy is converted into potential energy