Biochemistry and Photosynthesis Overview

Biochemistry

• Organic compounds are built from smaller molecules
• Organic compounds are used as building blocks for things like water, DNA, proteins, starches, and fats.
• Organic compounds store genetic information.
• Organic compounds are used to assemble larger inorganic materials.
• Organic compounds are used as energy sources.
• Four classes of organic compounds exist.
• Water (H₂O) is inorganic.

Photosynthesis and Homeostasis in Plants

• Chloroplasts are the organelles responsible for photosynthesis.
• Plants are green because of the chlorophyll in the chloroplasts.
• Photosynthesis converts light energy to chemical energy.
• Photosynthesis equation: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
• Autotrophs produce their own food through photosynthesis.
• Stomata control gas exchange in plants.
• When stomata are open, plants exchange gases, including taking in CO₂ and releasing O₂.
• When stomata are closed, plants conserve water but cannot take in CO₂.

Cell Respiration

• Cell respiration is the opposite of photosynthesis.
• Cell respiration releases energy stored in glucose.
• Cell respiration equation: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy
• Plants need both photosynthesis and respiration.
• Animals are heterotrophs and consume other organisms for energy.
• Aerobic respiration uses oxygen and is more efficient than anaerobic respiration.
• Anaerobic respiration does not use oxygen and is less efficient.

Biological Processes (Diagram)

• Process X is a reaction that produces carbon dioxide and oxygen.
• Process Y is a reaction that uses glucose and oxygen and produces carbon dioxide, water, and energy.
• Processes X and Y occur in plants and animals.
• Substance A is glucose
• Substance B is oxygen
• Substance C is carbon dioxide
• Substance D is water
• These reactions are catalyzed by enzymes.

Explore the foundational concepts of biochemistry and the process of photosynthesis in plants. This quiz will cover organic compounds, their functions, and the critical role chloroplasts and chlorophyll play in converting light energy into chemical energy. Test your knowledge on how plants maintain homeostasis through gas exchange.