What are the differences between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

Question

Accepted Answer

Basis of differentiation

Photosynthesis

Cellular respiration

Definition

Photosynthesis is an anabolic process which converts light energy from sunlight into chemical energy

Cellular respiration is a catabolic process that generates ATP from glucose in living organisms

Occurrence

Occurs solely in the chloroplasts  photoautotrophs including algae, plants, and cyanobacteria

Occurs in the mitochondria of all living organism

Reactants

Carbon dioxide, light energy, and water are the reactants

Glucose and oxygen are the reactants

Mechanisms

Uses light and dark respiration

Uses glycolysis, TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and electron transport chain

Reaction type

Is an endothermic reaction as it requires energy

Is an exergonic reaction as energy is released

Sunlight

Requires the presence of sunlight

Does not require any sunlight as it is a continuous process

Oxygen

Oxygen is formed as a byproduct

Oxygen is used as a raw material

Basis of differentiation	Photosynthesis	Cellular respiration
Definition	Photosynthesis is an anabolic process which converts light energy from sunlight into chemical energy	Cellular respiration is a catabolic process that generates ATP from glucose in living organisms
Occurrence	Occurs solely in the chloroplasts photoautotrophs including algae, plants, and cyanobacteria	Occurs in the mitochondria of all living organism
Reactants	Carbon dioxide, light energy, and water are the reactants	Glucose and oxygen are the reactants
Mechanisms	Uses light and dark respiration	Uses glycolysis, TCA cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and electron transport chain
Reaction type	Is an endothermic reaction as it requires energy	Is an exergonic reaction as energy is released
Sunlight	Requires the presence of sunlight	Does not require any sunlight as it is a continuous process
Oxygen	Oxygen is formed as a byproduct	Oxygen is used as a raw material