Respiration

The process by which plants use the energy stored from photosynthesis to develop and grow. The carbohydrates, which are formed by photosynthesis, are broken down in the presence of oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water, as well as the release of energy. This is the reverse of photosynthesis. Respiration has a higher optimum temperature than photosynthesis, which means that there is a net build-up of food reserves (via photosynthesis) before they are more rapidly consumed at higher temperatures and levels of cellular activity.