Question

Compare/contrast photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Write in essay format and give thorough explanations.

Answer 1

Comparison of photosynthesis and cellular respiration

The electron transport chain is found in photosynthesis and cellular respiration. This generates the proton gradient between two compartments. The ATP synthase complex is found in both cases. The proton gradient is used to synthesise the ATP from ADP and phosphate ion.

Contrast between photosynthesis and cellular respiration:

The water is synthesised in the cellular respiration from oxygen, electron and hydrogen ion. Where as the water is splitted in to oxygen, hydrogen ion and electron in case of photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplast. Whereas cellular respiration takes place in the cytoplasm, mitochondria etc.

The glucose is synthesised in the photosynthesis where as glucose is break down in cellular respiration.

Photosynthesis has two phases light phase and dark phase. The cellular respiration has glycolysis, citric acid cycle and electron transport chain.

The protons are accumulated in the intermembrane space in mitochondria in electron transport chain. Whereas protons are accumulated in the thylakoid lumen.

The FADH2 and NADH donates electron in electron transport chain. Whereas NADH is used as an electron acceptor in light phase of photosynthesis.