Question

Distinguish between photosynthesis and respiration?

Answer 1

Hint: One is an anabolic process that takes place in the presence of light and the other is a catabolic process that can occur during both day and night.

Complete answer:
Photosynthesis and Respiration are two such typical biological reactions that can confuse even a science student. If we talk about the basic difference between the two terms then we can interpret that photosynthesis as the name itself suggests that it is a process performed by plants that utilize light for the synthesis of organic compounds for the production of energy hence termed as an anabolic process.
On the contrary, if we talk about respiration particularly cellular respiration then it is a process that occurs in cells and it utilizes the stored organic compounds like glucose to produce energy. So, in other words, we can say that both of these processes are the reverse of one another and are in a mutually beneficial relationship.
Following is a table highlighting the main points of differences between the two biological phenomena for your better understanding.

Photosynthesis	Respiration
It is a process that occurs only in green plants i.e., Autotrophs.	It is a process that occurs in all living organisms.
It requires the presence of sunlight.	It does not require the presence of sunlight and continues to occur day and night.
The process takes place in the chloroplast.	The process takes place in mitochondria.
It is an anabolic process.	It is a catabolic process.
It is an endothermic reaction as it requires energy.	It is an exothermic reaction as it liberates energy.
Carbon dioxide is the raw material used for photosynthesis.	Glucose and Oxygen are the raw materials used for respiration.
It produces energy (ATP) by utilizing light energy.	It produces ATP from the liberation of energy through the oxidation of food.
It utilizes carbon dioxide and water.	It liberates Carbon dioxide and water.
The net chemical reaction of photosynthesis is as follows-$6CO_2 + 6H_2O \to C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$	The net chemical reaction of cellular Respiration is as follows-$C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6CO_2 \to 6CO_2 + 6H_2O$

Note: Photosynthesis is not only performed by phototrophs but also by Algae and some bacteria. Photosynthesis is known as an anabolic process because it builds up complex compounds such as carbohydrates from simple inorganic compounds. Respiration is called a catabolic process because it breaks complex substances into simple substances.