Unit-1:Photosynthesis
and Carbon cycle
Unit-1.1: Photosynthesis
Learning Objectives
Learning objectives:
1. Know the photosynthesis occurs in chloroplast and is the process by
which plants make carbohydrates, using the energy from the light.
2. Know and use the summary word equation for photosynthesis.
3. Know that plants require minerals to maintain healthy growth and life
process.
4. Describe what equipment is required to carry an investigation or
experiment and use it appropriately.
5. Carry out practical work safely, supported by risk assessment where
appropriate.
6. Make prediction of likely outcomes for a scientific inquiry based on
scientific knowledge and understanding.
Photosynthesis: Keywords:
photosynthesis, yield,
Chlorophyll, waxy layer,
Chloroplast, upper epidermis,
Carbon dioxide, lower epidermis,
glucose, spongy layer,
oxygen, magnesium,
sunlight, nitrate,
palisade cell, ethanol,
stoma/stomata, starch,
fertilizer, iodine.
Photosynthesis Overview
Photosynthesis is a biochemical process by which plants,
algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into
chemical energy stored in glucose (a sugar). This process
occurs mainly in the chloroplasts of plant cells, utilizing
the green pigment chlorophyll.
The overall equation for photosynthesis is:
The importance of chloroplast and
chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is the pigment that is known for making plants green, and it
is located within the chloroplasts, which is the organelle where
photosynthesis occurs.
Factors Affecting Photosynthesis
1. Light Intensity:
As light intensity increases, the rate of photosynthesis initially increases and then
levels off once other factors become limiting.
2. Carbon Dioxide Concentration:
Higher CO₂ concentrations generally increase the rate of photosynthesis, up to a
certain point.
3. Temperature:
Photosynthesis is temperature-dependent, with the rate increasing with temperature
until an optimum is reached, beyond which enzymes may denature, causing the rate to
decline.
4. Water Availability:
Water stress can slow or stop photosynthesis, as water is a raw material for the
process and essential for maintaining cell turgor.
5. Chlorophyll Concentration:
The amount of chlorophyll affects the plant’s ability to capture light energy.
Where does photosynthesis occur?
Cross-section of a leaf
Cross-section of a leaf
1. Waxy cuticle:
Location: Outermost layer on both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf.
Structure: A thin, waxy, water-repellent layer.
Function: Protects the leaf from water loss (desiccation) and from pathogens. It also reduces
gas exchange to prevent excessive loss of water through evaporation.
2. Upper Epidermis:
Location: Directly beneath the cuticle.
Structure: A single layer of tightly packed cells, usually without chloroplasts.
Function: Provides protection and allows light to pass through to the underlying cells.
3. Palisade Mesophyll:
Location: Beneath the upper epidermis.
Structure: Columnar cells packed with chloroplasts, arranged vertically and closely together.
Function: Primary site of photosynthesis due to the high concentration of chloroplasts,
maximizing light absorption.
Cross-section of a leaf
4. Spongy Mesophyll:
Location: Beneath the palisade mesophyll, above the lower epidermis.
Structure: Loosely packed, irregularly shaped cells with large air spaces between them.
Contains fewer chloroplasts compared to the palisade layer.
Function: Facilitates gas exchange (CO₂, O₂, and water vapor) through the air spaces. The
spongy structure allows gases to diffuse easily to and from the cells.
5. Vascular Bundles (Veins):
Location: Scattered within the mesophyll layers (usually more noticeable in the spongy
mesophyll).
Structure: Composed of xylem and phloem tissues.
Xylem: Transports water and minerals from the roots to the leaves.
Phloem: Transports sugars (products of photosynthesis) from the leaves to other parts of the
plant.
Function: Provides structural support to the leaf and facilitates the transport of water,
nutrients, and photosynthetic products.
Cross-section of a leaf
6. Lower Epidermis:
Location: Bottom layer of the leaf.
Structure: Similar to the upper epidermis but usually contains stomata.
Function: Protects the inner tissues of the leaf and controls gas exchange.
7. Stomata:
Location: Primarily in the lower epidermis.
Structure: Pores surrounded by two guard cells.
Function: Regulate gas exchange (CO₂ enters, O₂ and water vapor exit) and water loss by opening and
closing the stomata. The guard cells control the opening and closing of the stomata in response to
environmental conditions.
8. Guard Cells:
Location: Flank each stomatal pore.
Structure: Bean-shaped cells containing chloroplasts.
Function: Control the opening and closing of the stomata by changing shape due to changes in turgor
pressure. When turgor pressure is high, the guard cells swell and open the stomata; when turgor pressure is
low, they close the stomata to conserve water.
Functions of Leaf Structures
Photosynthesis: Occurs mainly in the palisade mesophyll.
Gas Exchange: Occurs primarily through the stomata,
facilitated by the spongy mesophyll.
Water Transport: Xylem brings water to the leaf cells,
essential for photosynthesis and maintaining cell turgor.
Sugar Transport: Phloem distributes the sugars produced by
photosynthesis to other parts of the plant.
Minerals for plants growth
Minerals for plants growth
Lab work: Iodine test for starch
