Compensation Point

2.5

Compensation Point

Definition of Compensation Point

The level of light intensity when the rate of respiration equals to the rate of photosynthesis.

Light Intensity and Attainment of Compensation Point

A t the compensation point, the rate of photosynthesis is the same as the rate of respiration.
At the compensation point:
- The amount of carbon dioxide released during cellular respiration is equal to the amount of carbon dioxide used for photosynthesis.
- The amount of oxygen released during photosynthesis is equal to the amount of oxygen for cellular respiration.

Comparison between Photosynthesis and Respiration in Plants
Similarities

Differences
Photosynthesis	Aspect	Respiration
Green plants and photosynthetic bacteria.	Organisms involved	All living organisms.
Happens in the cells containing chlorophyll.	Type of cells	Happens in all cells.
Anabolism process happens, which is the synthesis of glucose using carbon dioxide and water.	Type of metabolism	Catabolism process happens, which is the breakdown of glucose to produce energy.
Chloroplast.	Site	Mitochondria.
Carbon dioxide and water.	Reaction substances	Oxygen and glucose.
Glucose.	Products	Energy.
Carbon dioxide and water.	By-products	Carbon dioxide and water.
Light energy is absorbed and converted into chemical energy.	Energy involvement	Chemical energy is converted to ATP and heat energy is released.
Needs light.	Light requirement	Does not need light.

2.5

Compensation Point

Definition of Compensation Point

The level of light intensity when the rate of respiration equals to the rate of photosynthesis.

Light Intensity and Attainment of Compensation Point

A t the compensation point, the rate of photosynthesis is the same as the rate of respiration.
At the compensation point:
- The amount of carbon dioxide released during cellular respiration is equal to the amount of carbon dioxide used for photosynthesis.
- The amount of oxygen released during photosynthesis is equal to the amount of oxygen for cellular respiration.

Comparison between Photosynthesis and Respiration in Plants
Similarities

Differences
Photosynthesis	Aspect	Respiration
Green plants and photosynthetic bacteria.	Organisms involved	All living organisms.
Happens in the cells containing chlorophyll.	Type of cells	Happens in all cells.
Anabolism process happens, which is the synthesis of glucose using carbon dioxide and water.	Type of metabolism	Catabolism process happens, which is the breakdown of glucose to produce energy.
Chloroplast.	Site	Mitochondria.
Carbon dioxide and water.	Reaction substances	Oxygen and glucose.
Glucose.	Products	Energy.
Carbon dioxide and water.	By-products	Carbon dioxide and water.
Light energy is absorbed and converted into chemical energy.	Energy involvement	Chemical energy is converted to ATP and heat energy is released.
Needs light.	Light requirement	Does not need light.