Compare the process of respiration and photosynthesis in a green plant.

Photosynthesis is a process that allows green plants or
producers to manufacture their own food. Carbon dioxide, water and sunlight must be
present to initiate this reaction. Carbon dioxide enters via stomates in the leaves,
water is absorbed by roots and transported to leaves in vascular bundles and light is
absorbed by chlorophyll in the leaves. Carbon fixation occurs and by combining with
water, glucose is an endproduct that is produced. This glucose is a form of chemical
energy that the plant can use when needed. It also forms oxygen gas and water vapor
which both exit the leaves via the stomates. When a plant needs energy for growth and
other life functions, the glucose, which the producer manufactured can be used. The
glucose is combined with oxygen along with enzymes to catalyze the reaction, to form
carbon dioxide and water vapor as waste products, as well as 36 A.T.P. molecules. These
high energy molecules are then available for use by the cells. Plants are basically
self-sufficient because they can re-use the endproducts of both photosynthesis and
respiration to continue their life cycle. A terrarium, which is an enclosed system
containing plants, soil and moisture, is self-sustaining, as, none of the gases or water
vapor from photosyntheis or respiration can exit the system and the plants inside get
all the materials they need to live, as long as they are near a source of
light.