G
Glow Pop Daily

How photosynthesis compares and contrasts with cellular respiration?

Author

Michael Hansen

Published Jul 11, 2026

How photosynthesis compares and contrasts with cellular respiration?

Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose. Glucose is used as food by the plant and oxygen is a by-product. Cellular respiration converts oxygen and glucose into water and carbon dioxide. Water and carbon dioxide are by- products and ATP is energy that is transformed from the process.

What does cellular respiration and photosynthesis have in common?

Both are processes within the cell which make chemical energy available for life. Photosynthesis transforms light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, and cellular respiration releases the energy from glucose to build ATP, which does the work of life.

What are 3 differences between photosynthesis and respiration?

Photosynthesis consists of two stages light reaction and dark reaction. Respiration consists of two stages, they are inhalation and exhalation. Photosynthesis takes place during the day only because it is dependent on light. Respiration is a continuous process and without respiration no organism can survive.

How does cellular respiration depend on photosynthesis?

The photosynthesis process and the cellular process are dependent on each other and one can not occur without the other. During the photosynthesis process, water and carbon dioxide yield glucose and oxygen while cellular respiration uses glucose and oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.

Are photosynthesis and cellular respiration exact opposites?

Cellular respiration and photosynthesis are direct opposite reactions. Energy from the sun enters a plant and is converted into glucose during photosynthesis. Some of the energy is used to make ATP in the mitochondria during cellular respiration, and some is lost to the environment as heat.

What organism can perform cell respiration and photosynthesis?

Plants exposed to light will carry out both photosynthesis and cellular respiration. After some time in the dark, only cellular respiration will occur in the plants. During photosynthesis, plants give off oxygen. During cellular respiration, plants give off carbon dioxide.

Does respiration and photosynthesis occur at the same time?

Yes, plants can do photosynthesis and cellular respiration at the same time. When sunlight is available for the plant, the plant can use that energy to perform photosynthesis.