Photosynthesis vs. Transpiration — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 19, 2024
Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy using water and carbon dioxide, while transpiration involves water vapor loss from plant surfaces, primarily leaves.
Difference Between Photosynthesis and Transpiration
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Photosynthesis is a biochemical process in plants that uses sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Whereas transpiration is the process by which moisture is carried through plants from roots to small pores on the underside of leaves, where it changes to vapor and is released into the atmosphere.
In photosynthesis, chlorophyll within the chloroplasts of plant cells captures solar energy, which is crucial for the synthesis of food in the form of carbohydrates. On the other hand, transpiration primarily involves the movement of water within plant tissues and its evaporation from aerial parts, particularly leaves.
Photosynthesis is critical for the production of organic compounds and oxygen, which are essential for life on Earth. While transpiration helps regulate plant temperature, maintains moisture balance, and drives water and nutrient transport from the roots to other parts of the plant.
The rate of photosynthesis can be influenced by factors such as light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature. In contrast, the rate of transpiration is affected by humidity, temperature, wind, and light.
While photosynthesis is a process that contributes directly to a plant’s growth by creating the substances it needs, transpiration does not contribute directly to growth but is more involved in the plant's water regulation and nutrient distribution processes.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Conversion of light energy into chemical energy
Evaporation of water from plant surfaces
Main Function
Production of glucose and oxygen
Regulation of plant temperature and water transport
Location in Plant
Chloroplasts in leaves
Stomata in leaves
Dependence on Environmental Factors
Light, carbon dioxide, water, and temperature
Light, humidity, temperature, and wind
Role in Plant Growth
Direct role by producing food
Indirect role through nutrient and water distribution
Compare with Definitions
Photosynthesis
Involves the transformation of solar energy into stable chemical energy within plants.
During photosynthesis, plants convert the energy of sunlight into chemical energy stored in the bonds of glucose.
Transpiration
Evaporative loss of water vapor from plant leaves and stems.
Transpiration rates increase on hot, windy days compared to cool, humid ones.
Photosynthesis
A physiological process essential for converting solar energy into chemical energy.
Photosynthesis is fundamental for life on Earth as it provides the primary energy source for all ecosystems.
Transpiration
Facilitates the ascent of xylem sap containing minerals and nutrients.
Transpiration is crucial for the movement of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the leaves.
Photosynthesis
A crucial factor for the growth and development of plants by producing glucose.
Photosynthesis not only helps in energy production but also in biomass accumulation in plants.
Transpiration
Acts as a cooling mechanism for plants under heat stress.
Through transpiration, plants manage internal temperatures and prevent overheating.
Photosynthesis
An endothermic reaction that absorbs light energy.
Photosynthesis is an endothermic process that captures and stores energy in sugar molecules.
Transpiration
Primarily occurs through the stomata, microscopic openings on the leaf surface.
Stomatal opening regulates both transpiration and gas exchange in the leaf.
Photosynthesis
The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.
Photosynthesis in plants generally involves the green pigment chlorophyll and generates oxygen as a byproduct.
Transpiration
The process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts like leaves, stems, and flowers.
Transpiration is necessary for transporting nutrients from the soil into the plant.
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy that, through cellular respiration, can later be released to fuel the organism's metabolic activities. This chemical energy is stored in carbohydrate molecules, such as sugars and starches, which are synthesized from carbon dioxide and water – hence the name photosynthesis, from the Greek phōs (φῶς), "light", and sunthesis (σύνθεσις), "putting together".
Transpiration
Transpiration is the process of water movement through a plant and its evaporation from aerial parts, such as leaves, stems and flowers. Water is necessary for plants but only a small amount of water taken up by the roots is used for growth and metabolism.
Photosynthesis
The process in green plants and certain other organisms by which carbohydrates are synthesized from carbon dioxide and a source of hydrogen (usually water), using light as an energy source. Most forms of photosynthesis release oxygen as a byproduct.
Transpiration
The act or process of transpiring, especially through the stomata of plant tissue or the pores of the skin.
Photosynthesis
(biology) Any process by which plants and other photoautotrophs convert light energy into chemical energy,
Transpiration
(botany) The loss of water by evaporation in terrestrial plants, especially through the stomata; accompanied by a corresponding uptake from the roots.
Photosynthesis
Principally, oxygenic photosynthesis, any process by which plants and algae convert water and carbon dioxide into carbohydrates and waste oxygen using solar energy.
Transpiration
(physiology) The process of giving off water vapour through the skin or mucous membranes.
Photosynthesis
Also, non-oxygenic photosynthesis, used by purple and green bacteria, heliobacteria, and acidobacteria.
Transpiration
The passage of gases through fine tubes.
Photosynthesis
The process of constructive metabolism by which carbohydrates are formed from water vapor and the carbon dioxide of the air in the chlorophyll-containing tissues of plants exposed to the action of light. It was formerly called assimilation, but this is now commonly used as in animal physiology. The details of the process are not yet clearly known. Baeyer's theory is that the carbon dioxide is reduced to carbon monoxide, which, uniting with the hydrogen of the water in the cell, produces formaldehyde, the latter forming various sugars through polymerization. Vines suggests that the carbohydrates are secretion products of the chloroplasts, derived from decomposition of previously formed proteids. The food substances are usually quickly translocated, those that accumulate being changed to starch, which appears in the cells almost simultaneously with the sugars. The chloroplasts perform photosynthesis only in light and within a certain range of temperature, varying according to climate. This is the only way in which a plant is able to organize carbohydrates. All plants without a chlorophyll apparatus, as the fungi, must be parasitic or saprophytic.
Transpiration
The act or process of transpiring or excreting in the form of vapor; exhalation, as through the skin or other membranes of the body; as, pulmonary transpiration, or the excretion of aqueous vapor from the lungs. Perspiration is a form of transpiration.
Photosynthesis
Synthesis of compounds with the aid of radiant energy (especially in plants)
Transpiration
The evaporation of water, or exhalation of aqueous vapor, from cells and masses of tissue.
Transpiration
The passing of gases through fine tubes, porous substances, or the like; as, transpiration through membranes.
Transpiration
The passage of gases through fine tubes because of differences in pressure or temperature
Transpiration
The process of givng off or exhaling water vapor through the skin or mucous membranes
Transpiration
The emission of water vapor from the leaves of plants
Common Curiosities
What is transpiration?
Transpiration is the process by which water vapor is lost from a plant's surface, mainly through the stomata of leaves.
What is photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds.
How do plants benefit from transpiration?
Transpiration helps plants by cooling them, maintaining moisture balance, and facilitating the ascent of xylem sap that carries nutrients.
What part of the plant primarily carries out photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis primarily occurs in the leaves of plants, specifically within the chloroplasts, where chlorophyll captures sunlight.
What factors can increase the rate of transpiration?
Factors like high temperature, low humidity, wind, and bright light can increase the rate of transpiration in plants.
How do photosynthesis and transpiration interact within the plant system?
Photosynthesis and transpiration are interconnected; transpiration drives water and nutrient transport that supports photosynthesis, while photosynthesis ensures the production of the sugars necessary for plant energy and growth.
Can environmental factors affect photosynthesis and transpiration?
Yes, both processes are heavily influenced by environmental factors such as light, temperature, and humidity.
How do photosynthesis and transpiration differ?
Photosynthesis involves the production of food and oxygen, whereas transpiration involves the evaporation of water to regulate plant processes and temperature.
Why are both photosynthesis and transpiration important for plants?
Photosynthesis provides the energy necessary for growth, while transpiration helps in nutrient distribution and temperature regulation.
What happens during photosynthesis at the molecular level?
During photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and release oxygen using the energy captured from sunlight.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.