Photosynthesis vs Cellular Respiration: Equations and Differences
Compare photosynthesis and cellular respiration: the equations, where each happens, what goes in and out, and a common misconception.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
- 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light
- → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
- Happens in chloroplasts
Stores light energy in glucose.
Cellular respiration
- C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
- → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + ATP
- Happens in mitochondria
Releases energy from glucose as ATP.
Example 1
Which process uses CO₂ and releases O₂?
- CO₂ going in and O₂ coming out
- That is the photosynthesis equation
Photosynthesis
Example 2
Which process releases usable energy as ATP?
- Energy is released from glucose
- That is cellular respiration
Cellular respiration
Common mistake
Plants only do photosynthesis
Plants also do cellular respiration, all day and night.
Mitochondria use the glucose that chloroplasts make.
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