Photosynthesis Overview

What is the overall purpose of the light-dependent reactions in photosynthesis?

Where do the light-dependent reactions take place?

What is the enzyme responsible for fixing CO2 into a 3-carbon molecule?

What is the purpose of the regeneration stage in the Calvin cycle?

Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects photosynthesis?

What is the byproduct of photosynthesis that supports aerobic life?

What is the role of ATP and NADPH in the Calvin cycle?

What is the overall importance of photosynthesis?

In which stage of the Calvin cycle is CO2 fixed into a 3-carbon molecule?

What is a fundamental requirement of a hypothesis in scientific inquiry?

What is the primary purpose of considering sample size and selection in experimental design?

What is the role of the dependent variable in an experiment?

What is the purpose of interpreting results in scientific inquiry?

What are the key characteristics of biological life?

What are the classification and organizational tools used by biologists?

What is the primary goal of scientific inquiry?

What are the key components of scientific inquiry?

What is the purpose of controlling variables in an experiment?

What is the relationship between the independent and dependent variables in an experiment?

Definition: Process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy in the form of organic compounds, such as glucose.
Importance: Produces oxygen and organic compounds that support life on Earth.

Occur in thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts
Light energy excites electrons, which are then used to generate ATP and NADPH
Two stages:
1. Light absorption: Light energy is absorbed by pigments such as chlorophyll and other accessory pigments.
2. Electron transport: Energy from light is used to generate a proton gradient, which drives the synthesis of ATP and NADPH.

Occur in stroma of chloroplasts
Use ATP and NADPH produced in light-dependent reactions to convert CO2 into glucose
Three stages:
1. Carbon fixation: CO2 is fixed into a 3-carbon molecule by the enzyme RuBisCO.
2. Reduction: Fixed carbon is reduced to form glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P) using ATP and NADPH.
3. Regeneration: G3P is used to regenerate RuBP, allowing the cycle to continue.

Produces oxygen as a byproduct, supporting aerobic life
Supports the food chain by providing energy and organic compounds for consumption
Influences the Earth's climate by removing CO2 from the atmosphere