Photosynthesis and Respiration

Plants also respire. 

Photosynthesis and respiration occur together.

In photosynthesis, we require carbon dioxide. The waste product is oxygen. In aerobic respiration, we need oxygen and release carbon dioxide as a waste product. However, these chemical processes do not always balance out as respiration occurs all the time. The leaf will always be respiring. The rate of photosynthesis will change depending on limiting factors such as light, temperature and carbon dioxide availability. As the sun continues to rise, the rate of photosynthesis will increase. At one point in the morning, the amount of oxygen released will equal the amount of oxygen absorbed. This point is called the compensation point. 

As the day continues, there tends to be more photosynthesis as more carbon, from carbon dioxide is absorbed.