5 Questions
What is the overall equation for photosynthesis?
6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2
Where do the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis take place?
Thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast
What is the role of RuBP in the Calvin Cycle?
It binds to CO2, forming a six-carbon intermediate.
What is the effect of high light intensities on photosynthesis?
High intensities can lead to photoinhibition.
What is the role of ATP and NADPH in photosynthesis?
They are energy-rich molecules produced in the light-dependent reactions, used to fuel the light-independent reactions.
Study Notes
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
Steps of Photosynthesis
-
Light-Dependent Reactions
- Occur in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast
- Light energy excites electrons, which are used to generate ATP and NADPH
- Water is split into oxygen and hydrogen ions
-
Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)
- Occur in the stroma of the chloroplast
- ATP and NADPH are used to convert CO2 into glucose
- Regeneration of RuBP (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate) for continued CO2 fixation
Important Molecules
-
Chlorophyll
- Green pigment that absorbs light energy
- Found in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast
-
RuBP (Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate)
- Five-carbon sugar that plays a key role in the Calvin Cycle
- Binds to CO2, forming a six-carbon intermediate
-
ATP and NADPH
- Energy-rich molecules produced in the light-dependent reactions
- Used to fuel the light-independent reactions
Factors Affecting Photosynthesis
-
Light Intensity
- Increased light intensity can increase photosynthesis rates
- However, high intensities can lead to photoinhibition
-
Temperature
- Optimal temperature range for photosynthesis varies between species
- Higher temperatures can lead to water loss and decreased photosynthesis
-
Water Availability
- Drought can limit photosynthesis by reducing water availability
- Plants have adapted mechanisms to conserve water and maintain photosynthesis
Photosynthesis
Definition
- Process that converts light energy into chemical energy in the form of organic compounds, such as glucose.
Overall Equation
- 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2
Steps of Photosynthesis
Light-Dependent Reactions
- Occur in thylakoid membranes of chloroplast
- Light energy excites electrons, generating ATP and NADPH
- Water is split into oxygen and hydrogen ions
Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)
- Occur in stroma of chloroplast
- ATP and NADPH convert CO2 into glucose
- RuBP regeneration for continued CO2 fixation
Important Molecules
Chlorophyll
- Green pigment that absorbs light energy
- Found in thylakoid membranes of chloroplast
RuBP (Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate)
- Five-carbon sugar that plays a key role in Calvin Cycle
- Binds to CO2, forming a six-carbon intermediate
ATP and NADPH
- Energy-rich molecules produced in light-dependent reactions
- Fuel light-independent reactions
Factors Affecting Photosynthesis
Light Intensity
- Increased light intensity can increase photosynthesis rates
- High intensities can lead to photoinhibition
Temperature
- Optimal temperature range for photosynthesis varies between species
- Higher temperatures can lead to water loss and decreased photosynthesis
Water Availability
- Drought can limit photosynthesis by reducing water availability
- Plants have adapted mechanisms to conserve water and maintain photosynthesis
Test your knowledge of photosynthesis, the process by which plants and some organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, including the light-dependent reactions and overall equation.
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