Photosynthesis Process

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.

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

Light-Dependent Reactions

• Occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts
• Light energy is absorbed by pigments such as chlorophyll
• Energy is used to generate ATP and NADPH

Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)

• Occur in the stroma of chloroplasts
• CO2 is fixed into glucose using ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions
• Produces glucose and releases oxygen as a byproduct

Importance in the Carbon Cycle

• Removes CO2 from the atmosphere
• Produces oxygen as a byproduct
• Provides energy and organic compounds for organisms in the food chain

Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

• Light intensity
• Temperature
• Water availability
• CO2 concentration

Types of Photosynthesis

• Oxygenic photosynthesis (produces oxygen): occurs in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria
• Anoxygenic photosynthesis (does not produce oxygen): occurs in some bacteria

Photosynthesis

Definition and Equation

• Photosynthesis is the process of converting light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen.
• 6 CO2 + 6 H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6 O2 is the overall equation for photosynthesis.

Light-Dependent Reactions

• Take place in thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.
• Light energy is absorbed by pigments like chlorophyll.
• Produce ATP and NADPH using light energy.

Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)

• Occur in the stroma of chloroplasts.
• CO2 is converted into glucose using ATP and NADPH from light-dependent reactions.
• Produces glucose and releases oxygen as a byproduct.

Importance in Carbon Cycle

• Removes CO2 from the atmosphere.
• Produces oxygen as a byproduct.
• Provides energy and organic compounds for food chain organisms.

Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

• Light intensity affects photosynthesis rate.
• Temperature influences photosynthesis rate.
• Water availability impacts photosynthesis.
• CO2 concentration affects photosynthesis rate.

Types of Photosynthesis

• Oxygenic photosynthesis occurs in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, producing oxygen.
• Anoxygenic photosynthesis occurs in some bacteria, not producing oxygen.

Learn about the process of photosynthesis, including the overall equation, light-dependent reactions, and more. Understand how plants, algae, and bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy.