The term photosynthesis was first proposed by Barnes in 1898. The word has been derived from photo (light) and synthesis (building up). Photosynthesis is a process by which green plants are able to synthesize their food in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll by taking carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the soil.
The differences between respiration and photosynthesis are: Respiration is a catabolic process in which food material is broken down and energy is release whereas photosynthesis is an anabolic process in which food material is synthesized and energy is stored.
The main difference between Respiration and Photosynthesis is in respiration, complex molecules (food) are broken down into simpler molecules. For example, during respiration glucose is oxidized to carbon dioxide and water whereas in photosynthesis, simple molecules combine to from complex molecules (food). For example, during photosynthesis carbon dioxide and water combine to fro glucose, which is a food.