1. STEP-WISE RELEASE OF ENERGY CAPTURED AND STORED IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS
Respiration
STEP-WISE RELEASE OF ENERGY CAPTURED AND STORED IN PHOTOSYNTHESIS

2. Respiration Equation
Respiration can be simply thought of as the opposite of photosynthesis
All living cells respire, or break-down sugars to release the energy
Roots and cells that photosynthesize also
Sugars oxidize to water and carbon dioxide: C6H12O6 + 6 H2O + 6 O CO H2O + energy
Similar to burning of hydrocarbons: C8H18 + O > H2O + CO2

3. Factors Affecting Respiration
Temperature
Oxygen
Soil conditions
Light
Plant growth

4. Respiration and Temperature
Within the range from 0 °C to 35 °C (32 ° to 95 °F) respiration rate increases 2 to 4 times for each 10 °C rise.
Night temps 5 °C lower than day reduce respiration and allow more plant growth
Photo of fruit in storage or in a grocers refrigerated area.

5. Respiration and Oxygen
With other factors being equal, the rate of respiration decreases as the concentration of oxygen decreases
Photo of CA filter unit

6. Respiration and Soil Conditions
Compacted or waterlogged soils are poorly aerated
This reduces respiration in roots, resulting in poor plant growth.
Photo of waterlogged, wilted plant.

7. Respiration and Light
Plants under low light have low photosynthesis rates and reduced carbohydrate available for respiration.
Etiolated seedlings.

8. Respiration and Plant Growth
As plant leaves develop their activity, photosynthesis and respiration increase to a maximum level
Then decrease as leaves age
Graphic showing respiration producing ATP and other energy compounds along with degradation and resynthesis of proteins and enxymes,

9. Respiration Summary
Requires O2 and Carbon compounds (sugars, starch, fats)
Evolves CO2, H2O, and Energy
Occurs in light and darkness in every cell
Is a function of many environmental factors