Photosynthesis Process

Photosynthesis

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

Overall Equation

• 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2

Light-Dependent Reactions

• Occur in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast
• Light energy excites electrons, which are then transferred to electron acceptors
• Resulting energy is used to generate ATP and NADPH

Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)

• Occur in the stroma of the chloroplast
• Use ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions to convert CO2 into glucose
• Involves the fixation of CO2 into a 3-carbon molecule, which is then converted into glucose

Key Players

• Chlorophyll: a green pigment that absorbs light energy and plays a central role in photosynthesis
• Chloroplasts: organelles found in plant cells where photosynthesis takes place
• Stomata: small openings on the surface of leaves that allow for gas exchange (CO2 in, O2 out)

Importance of Photosynthesis

• Produces oxygen as a byproduct, which is necessary for life on Earth
• Provides energy and organic compounds for the food chain
• Supports the growth and development of plants, which are the basis of many ecosystems

Photosynthesis

• Definition and Overview*
• Process that converts light energy into chemical energy in the form of organic compounds
• Occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria
• Photosynthesis Equation*
• 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2

Light-Dependent Reactions

• Occur in thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast
• Light energy excites electrons, which are transferred to electron acceptors
• Resulting energy generates ATP and NADPH

Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)

• Occur in the stroma of the chloroplast
• Use ATP and NADPH to convert CO2 into glucose
• Fix CO2 into a 3-carbon molecule, then convert it into glucose

Key Components

• Chlorophyll: absorbs light energy and plays a central role in photosynthesis
• Chloroplasts: organelles where photosynthesis takes place
• Stomata: small openings on leaf surfaces for gas exchange (CO2 in, O2 out)

Importance of Photosynthesis

• Produces oxygen as a byproduct, necessary for life on Earth
• Provides energy and organic compounds for the food chain
• Supports plant growth and development, basis of many ecosystems

Definition and Components of a Fraction

• A fraction represents a part of a whole and consists of two parts: numerator and denominator
• The numerator (top number) indicates how many equal parts you have
• The denominator (bottom number) indicates how many parts the whole is divided into

Examples of Fractions

• Examples of fractions include 1/2, 1/3, 2/3, and 3/4
• Fractions can represent real-world quantities, such as 1/2 of a pizza or 3/4 of a tank of gas

Types of Fractions

• Proper fractions have a numerator less than the denominator, e.g. 1/2, 2/3
• Improper fractions have a numerator greater than or equal to the denominator, e.g. 3/2, 5/4
• Mixed numbers are a combination of a whole number and a proper fraction, e.g. 2 1/2, 3 3/4

Visual Representation of Fractions

• Fractions can be represented using diagrams, such as circles or rectangles divided into equal parts
• Number lines can also be used to visually represent fractions

Importance of Fractions

• Fractions are essential in everyday life, used in activities such as measuring ingredients for cooking
• They are also used in calculating distances or speeds and understanding proportions and ratios