Photosynthesis Process

Study Notes

Definition: Process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy in the form of organic compounds (glucose)
Overall equation: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2
Steps:
1. Light-dependent reactions: Light absorption, electron transport, and ATP synthesis
2. Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle): CO2 fixation, reduction, and glucose synthesis
Importance:
- Provides energy and organic compounds for plant growth and development
- Supports life on Earth by producing oxygen and organic compounds

Definition: Mode of nutrition where organisms produce their own food using light energy, water, and carbon dioxide
Types of autotrophic nutrition:
- Photoautotrophism: Uses light energy (e.g., plants, algae, cyanobacteria)
- Chemoautotrophism: Uses chemical energy (e.g., some bacteria)
Characteristics:
- Produce own food using energy from light or chemicals
- Do not require external food sources
- Can thrive in environments with limited nutrients
Examples:
- Plants, algae, and cyanobacteria (photoautotrophs)
- Nitrifying bacteria, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, and iron-oxidizing bacteria (chemoautotrophs)

Note: These notes focus on the basics of photosynthesis and autotrophic nutrition, providing a concise overview of the key concepts and processes.

Process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy
Produces glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (6 O2) from carbon dioxide (6 CO2) and water (6 H2O)
Consists of two stages: light-dependent reactions and light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle)
Light-dependent reactions involve light absorption, electron transport, and ATP synthesis
Calvin cycle involves CO2 fixation, reduction, and glucose synthesis
Essential for plant growth and development, producing energy and organic compounds
Supports life on Earth by producing oxygen and organic compounds

Mode of nutrition where organisms produce their own food using energy from light or chemicals
Produce own food without relying on external sources
Can thrive in environments with limited nutrients

Photoautotrophism: uses light energy (e.g., plants, algae, cyanobacteria)
Chemoautotrophism: uses chemical energy (e.g., nitrifying bacteria, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, iron-oxidizing bacteria)