Respiration, Plant growth and development, Botany Course, Master Gardener Training, Extension Service, Oregon State University

plant growth & development
photosynthesis | respiration | transpiration | balancing act

Respiration

Carbohydrates made during photosynthesis are of value to a plant when they are converted to energy. This energy is used for cell growth and building new tissues. The chemical process by which sugars and starches are converted to energy is called oxidation and is similar to the burning of wood or coal to produce heat. Controlled oxidation in a living cell is called respiration and is shown by this equation:

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂ => 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + Energy

This equation is essentially the opposite of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a building process, while respiration is a breaking-down process (Table 2).

Table 2. Photosynthesis and Respiration.
Photosynthesis Respiration

produces food
stores energy
uses water
uses carbon dioxide
releases oxygen
occurs in sunlight

uses food
releases energy
produces water
produces carbon dioxide
uses oxygen
occurs in the dark as well as light

**Table 2.** Photosynthesis and Respiration.
Photosynthesis	Respiration
produces food stores energy uses water uses carbon dioxide releases oxygen occurs in sunlight	uses food releases energy produces water produces carbon dioxide uses oxygen occurs in the dark as well as light

Unlike photosynthesis, respiration does not depend on light, so it occurs at night as well as during the day. Respiration occurs in all life forms and in all cells.

Take the Quizzes: Growth [A]

[B]

[C]

Other Web resources | Glossary of botany terms

Other Web resources | Glossary of botany terms
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