Photosynthesis Vs. Respiration

Photosynthesis Photosynthesis is the process by which plant cell’s capture energy in sunlight and use it to make food. Autotrophs are organisms that make their own food. Heterotrophs are organisms that cannot make their own food.

During photosynthesis, plants use energy from the sun to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and sugars. light energy 6 CO2 + 6 H2O C6H12O6 + 6 O2 Carbon dioxide water sugar oxygen

Respiration Respiration is the process by which cells obtain energy from glucose. During photosynthesis, cells “save” energy in the form of carbohydrates, during respiration cells “withdraw” the energy by breaking down the carbohydrates.

During respiration, cells break down simple food molecules such as sugar and releases the energy they contain. C6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy sugar oxygen carbon water dioxide