6 Questions
What is the primary function of chloroplasts?
To convert light energy into chemical energy
What is the product of the light-dependent reactions?
ATP and NADPH
What is the role of RuBisCO in the Calvin cycle?
To fix carbon dioxide into a 3-carbon molecule
What is the overall equation for photosynthesis?
6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2
What is one of the importance of photosynthesis?
It produces oxygen, essential for aerobic respiration
What is the end product of the Calvin cycle?
Glucose
Study Notes
Overview
- Photosynthesis: process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy in the form of organic compounds (e.g., glucose)
- Occurs in specialized organelles called chloroplasts, present in plant cells
Light-Dependent Reactions
- Light absorption: light energy is absorbed by pigments (e.g., chlorophyll) in the thylakoid membrane
- Electron transport: energy from light is used to generate ATP and NADPH
- ATP synthesis: light energy is used to produce ATP from ADP and Pi
Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)
- Carbon fixation: CO2 is fixed into a 3-carbon molecule (3-phosphoglycerate) via the enzyme RuBisCO
- Reduction reactions: 3-phosphoglycerate is reduced to form glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P) using ATP and NADPH
- Regeneration: G3P is used to regenerate RuBP, the 5-carbon sugar that binds to CO2
Overall Equation
6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2
Importance of Photosynthesis
- Produces oxygen, essential for aerobic respiration in most living organisms
- Provides energy and organic compounds for growth and development of plants and animals
- Supports aquatic food chains and ecosystems
This quiz covers the process of photosynthesis, including light-dependent and light-independent reactions, and its importance in producing oxygen and supporting life on Earth. Learn about the role of chloroplasts, pigments, and enzymes in this essential biological process.
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