Differences and Similarities between Respiration and Photosynthesis

Cellular Respiration Photosynthesis
Organelles Mitochondria Chloroplast
Organelle Structures The double-membraned mitochondrion can be loosely described as a large wrinkled bag packed inside of a smaller, unwrinkled bag. The two membranes create distinct compartments within the organelle, and are themselves very different in structure and in function. Two membranes contain and protect the inner parts of the chloroplast. The stroma is an area inside of the chloroplast where reactions occur and starches (sugars) are created. One thylakoid stack is called a granum. The thylakoids have chlorophyll molecules on their surface. That chlorophyll uses sunlight to create sugars. The stacks of sacs are connected by stromal lamellae. The lamellae act like the skeleton of the chloroplast, keeping all of the sacs a safe distance from each other and maximizing the efficiency of the organelle.
Stages Involved Glycolysis, the Krebs Cycle, Electron Transport Chain Photoexcitation, photolysis, photophosphorylation
Reactants Oxygen and Glucose Carbon Dioxide and Water
Products Carbon Dioxide and Water Oxygen and Glucose
Energy Source Foods we eat Light energy
Occurrence in Plants Does not occur in Plants Occurs in Plants
Occurrence in Animals Occurs in Animals Does not occur in Animals

Figure 1.2: Differences and Similarities between Respiration and Photosynthesis

Cellular Respiration Photosynthesis
Organelles Mitochondria Chloroplast
Organelle Structures The double-membraned mitochondrion can be loosely described as a large wrinkled bag packed inside of a smaller, unwrinkled bag. The two membranes create distinct compartments within the organelle, and are themselves very different in structure and in function. Two membranes contain and protect the inner parts of the chloroplast. The stroma is an area inside of the chloroplast where reactions occur and starches (sugars) are created. One thylakoid stack is called a granum. The thylakoids have chlorophyll molecules on their surface. That chlorophyll uses sunlight to create sugars. The stacks of sacs are connected by stromal lamellae. The lamellae act like the skeleton of the chloroplast, keeping all of the sacs a safe distance from each other and maximizing the efficiency of the organelle.
Stages Involved Glycolysis, the Krebs Cycle, Electron Transport Chain Photoexcitation, photolysis, photophosphorylation
Reactants Oxygen and Glucose Carbon Dioxide and Water
Products Carbon Dioxide and Water Oxygen and Glucose
Energy Source Foods we eat Light energy
Occurrence in Plants Does not occur in Plants Occurs in Plants
Occurrence in Animals Occurs in Animals Does not occur in Animals

Figure 1.2: Differences and Similarities between Respiration and Photosynthesis