Photosynthesis Equation and Components

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the balanced equation in photosynthesis?

To illustrate the correct ratio of reactants to products (correct)

To describe the light-dependent phase of photosynthesis

To explain the importance of chlorophyll in photosynthesis

To show the reactants and products in a word equation

Which of the following is not a reactant in the photosynthesis equation?

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Water (H2O)

Chlorophyll (correct)

Sunlight (energy)

Where does the Light Dependent Reaction take place?

Stroma (liquid filling inside the chloroplast)

Plant cell

Thylakoids (stacked, coin-like structures inside the chloroplast) (correct)

Chloroplast

What is the primary function of Photolysis?

To divide water molecules into Hydrogen and Oxygen using light energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Hydrogen ions in the Light Dependent Phase?

To be pumped into the thylakoid space Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of NADPH in the Calvin Cycle?

To carry hydrogen to the light independent phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of Rubisco in the Calvin Cycle?

To make the 2, 3 carbon molecule Signup and view all the answers

Where does the Calvin Cycle take place?

Stroma (liquid filling inside the chloroplast) Signup and view all the answers

What is the end result of the Light Independent Phase?

Production of glucose and storage as sugars and starches Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ATP in the Light Independent Phase?

Delivering energy to fuse molecules together Signup and view all the answers

What is the number of carbons in a PGA molecule?

3 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of NADPH in the Light Independent Phase?

Delivering hydrogen to form PGA molecules Signup and view all the answers

How many PGA molecules are required to form one glucose molecule?

2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the final destination of ATP and NADPH molecules after the Light Independent Phase?

They are recycled back to the Light Dependent Phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of RuBP combining with carbon dioxide through rubisco?

Formation of a 6-carbon compound Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Calvin cycle?

To convert PGA molecules into glucose Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Importance of Balanced Equation

The balanced equation shows the correct ratio of reactants to products in photosynthesis.
The equation is: 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6O2

Components and Materials Required

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Water (H2O)
Sunlight (energy)
Chlorophyll (necessary for photosynthesis, but not directly consumed)

Physical Locations of Reactions

Light Dependent Reaction: Takes place in the Thylakoids (stacked, coin-like structures inside the chloroplast)
Calvin Cycle (Light Independent Reaction): Takes place in the Stroma (liquid filling inside the chloroplast)

Light Dependent Phase

Photolysis: Water molecule is divided into Hydrogen and Oxygen using light energy
Hydrogen is a crucial component for glucose production
Oxygen is released as a byproduct in the form of gas

Photo Excitation

Creates NADPH from NADP+
Hydrogen is pumped from the stroma into the thylakoid space
Hydrogen is pumped out of the thylakoid space through ATP synthase, converting ADP to ATP
Electrons transfer from photosystem 2 to photosystem 1 to the electron transport chain

Electron and Hydrogen Ion

High-energy electrons produce ATP (energy carrier)
Hydrogen ions are attached to a hydrogen acceptor (NADP) to form NADPH
Hydrogen ions are pumped into the thylakoid space

Calvin Cycle (Light Independent Phase)

Key components: Ribose Biphosphate (RuBP), Carbon Dioxide, and Rubisco (enzyme)
RuBP combines with CO2 through Rubisco to form a 6-carbon compound (unstable)
The 6-carbon compound breaks down into two identical PGA molecules (3 carbons each)
PGA molecules are modified using NADPH and ATP from the light dependent phase to produce glucose

ATP and NADPH Molecules

ATP delivers energy to fuse molecules together, making them more stable
NADPH delivers hydrogen, resulting in a substance called PGA

PGA Molecule

Has three carbons and can become glucose
Requires multiple cycles to form glucose, combining two PGA molecules

Reformation of RuBP

Some PGA molecules are used to reform the five-carbon RuBP molecule
This process is not fully explained in this simplified example

End of Light Independent Phase

Glucose is produced and stored as sugars and starches
ATP and NADPH molecules are recycled back to the light dependent phase

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Description

Learn about the balanced equation of photosynthesis and the essential components required, including carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and chlorophyll.