Photosynthesis Notes
Overview
● Definition: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria
convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored in glucose (sugar).
● General Equation:
6CO2+6H2O+light ⟶ C6H12O6+6O26CO2+6H2O+light⟶C6H12O6+6O2
○ Inputs: Carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), light energy
○ Outputs: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), oxygen (O₂)
Site of Photosynthesis
● Occurs mainly in the chloroplasts of plant cells.
● Key structures:
○ Thylakoids: Flattened sacs where light reactions happen.
○ Grana: Stacks of thylakoids.
○ Stroma: Fluid around the grana where the Calvin cycle occurs.
● Chlorophyll: The main pigment that absorbs light (mostly blue and red wavelengths).
Stages of Photosynthesis
There are two main stages:
1. Light-Dependent Reactions (a.k.a. Light Reactions)
● Location: Thylakoid membranes.
● Inputs: Light energy, H₂O, NADP⁺, ADP + Pi.
● Outputs: O₂, ATP, NADPH.
● Process:
1. Light excites electrons in chlorophyll (Photosystem II).
2. Electrons pass through the electron transport chain (ETC), releasing energy.
3. Energy pumps protons (H⁺) into the thylakoid, creating a gradient.
4. Water molecules are split (photolysis) → releases O₂ as a byproduct.
5. Protons flow back through ATP synthase, producing ATP (chemiosmosis).
6. Electrons reach Photosystem I, get re-energized, and help form NADPH from
NADP⁺ + H⁺.
Summary: Converts light → chemical energy (ATP, NADPH) + O₂ waste.
2. Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle / Dark Reactions)
● Location: Stroma of chloroplasts.
● Inputs: ATP, NADPH (from light reactions), CO₂.
● Outputs: Glucose, ADP + Pi, NADP⁺.
● Process (three phases):
1. Carbon Fixation
■ CO₂ enters cycle.
■ Enzyme RuBisCO attaches CO₂ to RuBP (5-carbon sugar).
2. Reduction
■ ATP + NADPH used to convert 3-PGA into G3P (a 3-carbon sugar).
■ Some G3P leaves to help form glucose and other carbohydrates.
3. Regeneration of RuBP
■ Remaining G3P recycled into RuBP using ATP.
■ Cycle repeats.
Summary: Converts CO₂ + ATP + NADPH → glucose (stored energy).
Importance of Photosynthesis
● Energy Source: Produces glucose for plant metabolism and growth.
● Oxygen Supply: Releases O₂, vital for cellular respiration in most life.
● Carbon Cycle: Removes CO₂ from atmosphere → reduces greenhouse gases.
● Foundation of Food Chains: Plants (autotrophs) supply energy to consumers.
Key Points to Remember
● Two stages: light reactions (make ATP, NADPH, O₂) + Calvin cycle (makes glucose).
● Light energy → chemical energy → stored in glucose.
● Water splitting provides electrons and O₂.
● ATP and NADPH are short-term energy carriers.
● Glucose is long-term energy storage.
● Photosynthesis is the opposite of cellular respiration in many ways.
