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.

Overview

• Occurs in specialized organelles called chloroplasts, found in plant cells.
• Requires light, water, carbon dioxide, and chlorophyll (a green pigment).

Steps of Photosynthesis

1. Light-Dependent Reactions
   • Light absorption by pigments (e.g., chlorophyll) in the thylakoid membrane.
   • Energy from light is used to generate ATP and NADPH.
2. Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)
   • Carbon dioxide is fixed into organic compounds using ATP and NADPH.
   • Produces glucose and oxygen as byproducts.

Importance of Photosynthesis

• Produces oxygen as a byproduct, essential for aerobic life.
• Provides energy and organic compounds for plant growth and development.
• Supports the food chain by producing energy-rich compounds for herbivores.

Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

• Light: Intensity, quality, and duration affect photosynthesis rate.
• Temperature: Optimal temperatures vary among plant species, but generally between 20-30°C.
• Water: Availability and quality impact photosynthesis rate.
• CO2: Concentration affects photosynthesis rate, with higher concentrations increasing rates.

Types of Photosynthesis

• C3 Photosynthesis: Most common type, found in plants such as rice, wheat, and soybeans.
• C4 Photosynthesis: Found in plants such as maize, sugarcane, and sorghum, adapted to hot and dry environments.
• CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) Photosynthesis: Found in plants such as cacti and succulents, adapted to arid environments.

Photosynthesis

Definition

• Photosynthesis is the 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.

Overview

• Photosynthesis occurs in specialized organelles called chloroplasts, found in plant cells.
• It requires light, water, carbon dioxide, and chlorophyll (a green pigment).

Steps of Photosynthesis

Light-Dependent Reactions

• Light absorption by pigments (e.g., chlorophyll) in the thylakoid membrane occurs.
• Energy from light is used to generate ATP and NADPH.

Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)

• Carbon dioxide is fixed into organic compounds using ATP and NADPH.
• Glucose and oxygen are produced as byproducts.

Importance of Photosynthesis

• Oxygen is produced as a byproduct, essential for aerobic life.
• Photosynthesis provides energy and organic compounds for plant growth and development.
• It supports the food chain by producing energy-rich compounds for herbivores.

Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

• Light intensity, quality, and duration affect the photosynthesis rate.
• Temperature affects photosynthesis, with optimal temperatures varying among plant species (but generally between 20-30°C).
• Water availability and quality impact photosynthesis rate.
• CO2 concentration affects photosynthesis rate, with higher concentrations increasing rates.

Types of Photosynthesis

• C3 Photosynthesis is the most common type, found in plants such as rice, wheat, and soybeans.
• C4 Photosynthesis is found in plants such as maize, sugarcane, and sorghum, adapted to hot and dry environments.
• CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) Photosynthesis is found in plants such as cacti and succulents, adapted to arid environments.