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
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Photosynthesis
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It takes place in all the living cells, both
green(Chlorophyllated) and non green
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It takes place only in chlorophyllous cells
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It occurs in light and dark, both conditions
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It occurs only in light
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Oxygen is utilized and carbon dioxide and
water are formed.
C6H12O6 + 6O2-> 6CO2 + 6 H2O+ energy
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Carbon dioxide and water are used while
oxygen is evolved.
6CO2 + 12H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6H2O+ 6O2
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It is a catabolic process and includes the destruction of stored food
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It is an anabolic process and includes the manufacture food
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Oxygen is absorbed in the process
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Oxygen is liberated
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Carbohydrates are oxidised
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Carbohydrates are synthesised
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Energy is released during respiration and
hence it is an exothermic process.
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Energy is stored during this process and
hence it is an endothermic process.
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Energy is liberated in the form of ATP.
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Light energy is stored in the form of
glucose or chemical energy.
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Dry weight of plants decreases
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Dry weight of plants increases
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Oxidative phosphorylation occurs
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Photophosphorylation occurs
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During the
process, potential energy is converted to kinetic energy.
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Light
energy is converted into potential energy
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