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Notes VJ Puis 92

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen. It occurs in two main stages: light-dependent reactions in the thylakoid membranes and the Calvin Cycle in the stroma. This process is essential for life on Earth as it provides oxygen, forms the basis of food chains, and regulates atmospheric CO₂ levels.

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6 views2 pages

Notes VJ Puis 92

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen. It occurs in two main stages: light-dependent reactions in the thylakoid membranes and the Calvin Cycle in the stroma. This process is essential for life on Earth as it provides oxygen, forms the basis of food chains, and regulates atmospheric CO₂ levels.

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1.

Classroom Notes: The Basics of Photosynthesis

Introduction

Photosynthesis is the biological process by which green plants, algae, and


some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in
glucose. This process is fundamental to life on Earth as it provides oxygen
and forms the base of most food chains.

Overview

Photosynthesis primarily occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells,


specifically in the thylakoid membranes where chlorophyll pigments
capture sunlight. The overall equation can be summarized as:

6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂

This means carbon dioxide and water, in the presence of light, are
converted into glucose and oxygen.

Stages of Photosynthesis

1. Light-dependent reactions

o Location: Thylakoid membranes

o Inputs: Light, water, ADP, NADP⁺

o Process: Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight, exciting electrons that


pass through an electron transport chain.

o Outputs: ATP, NADPH, and oxygen (from water splitting)

o Significance: Generates energy carriers (ATP, NADPH) for the


next stage.

2. Calvin Cycle (Light-independent reactions)

o Location: Stroma of chloroplasts

o Inputs: ATP, NADPH, CO₂

o Process: CO₂ is fixed into organic molecules via the enzyme


Rubisco. The cycle regenerates ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP)
and produces glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P), which is
used to form glucose.

o Outputs: Glucose (after further steps), ADP, NADP⁺

Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

 Light intensity: Higher light intensity increases the rate up to a


saturation point.
 Carbon dioxide concentration: More CO₂ generally boosts
photosynthesis until other factors become limiting.

 Temperature: Optimal temperatures (usually between 20-35°C)


are necessary; extremes inhibit enzyme activity.

 Water availability: Water is a substrate and necessary for


photosynthesis and plant health.

Importance of Photosynthesis

 Produces oxygen essential for aerobic life.

 Converts solar energy into chemical energy.

 Forms the basis of food webs.

 Helps regulate atmospheric CO₂ levels, impacting global climate.

Summary

Photosynthesis is a complex but vital process enabling plants to convert


sunlight into usable energy. It involves light-dependent reactions to
produce energy carriers and the Calvin Cycle to fix carbon into sugars.
Understanding this process helps explain how life sustains and adapts on
Earth.

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