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Lecture Notes: Fundamentals of Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, producing oxygen and forming the base of the food chain. It occurs in chloroplasts and involves two main stages: light-dependent reactions that generate ATP and NADPH, and the Calvin Cycle that converts carbon dioxide into glucose. This process is crucial for sustaining life on Earth and is influenced by environmental factors.

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Lecture Notes: Fundamentals of Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, producing oxygen and forming the base of the food chain. It occurs in chloroplasts and involves two main stages: light-dependent reactions that generate ATP and NADPH, and the Calvin Cycle that converts carbon dioxide into glucose. This process is crucial for sustaining life on Earth and is influenced by environmental factors.

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Lecture Notes: Fundamentals of Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is a vital biological process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert
light energy into chemical energy. It is essential for life on Earth as it provides oxygen and forms the
base of the food chain.

The overall photosynthesis equation can be simplified as:


6CO2+6H2O+light energy→C6H12O6+6O26CO_2 + 6H_2O + light \ energy \rightarrow
C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_26CO2+6H2O+light energy→C6H12O6+6O2
This means carbon dioxide and water, in the presence of sunlight, are converted into glucose and
oxygen.

Photosynthesis occurs mainly in the chloroplasts, specialized organelles within plant cells that
contain the pigment chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs light, mostly in the blue and red wavelengths,
initiating the process.

The process can be divided into two main stages:

1. Light-dependent reactions: These occur in the thylakoid membranes where sunlight is


captured by chlorophyll. The energy splits water molecules (photolysis), releasing oxygen and
producing ATP and NADPH, which are energy carriers.

2. Calvin Cycle (Light-independent reactions): This takes place in the stroma of the chloroplast.
ATP and NADPH from the light-dependent reactions drive the fixation of carbon dioxide into
glucose through a series of enzyme-mediated steps.

Photosynthesis not only sustains plants but also supports virtually all life by producing oxygen and
organic compounds. Environmental factors like light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and
temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis.

Understanding photosynthesis is fundamental to fields like agriculture, ecology, and climate science.

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