photosynthesis Flashcards
what is photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy that can later be released to fuel the organisms’ activities (energy transformation).
write brief notes on photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is essential to all life on earth; both plants and animals depend on it. It is the only biological process that can capture energy that originates in outer space (sunlight) and convert it into chemical compounds (carbohydrates) that every organism uses to power its metabolism.
how is sunlight energy used in photosynthesis
In brief, the energy of sunlight is captured and used to energize electrons, which are then stored in the covalent bonds of sugar molecules.
give examples of organisms that perform photosynthesis
Plants,
algae,
and a group of bacteriacalled cyanobacteria
what are chemotrophs
these are group of bacteria that synthesize sugars, not by using sunlight’s energy, but by extracting energy from inorganic chemical compounds
what is the importance of photosynthesis
it helps to store the energy in solar radiation (the “photo-” part) as high-energy electrons in the carbon-carbon bonds of carbohydrate molecules (the “-synthesis” part)
summarise briefly the process of photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a multi-step process that requires sunlight, carbon dioxide (which is low in energy), and water as substrates
After the process is complete, it releases oxygen and produces glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (GA3P), simple carbohydrate molecules (which are high in energy) that can subsequently be converted into glucose, sucrose, or any of dozens of other sugar molecules.
These sugar molecules contain energy and the energized carbon that all living things need to survive.
what are the products involved in photosynthesis
Photosynthesis uses solar energy, carbon dioxide, and water to produce energy-storing carbohydrates.
Oxygen is generated as a waste product of photosynthesis.
name the compound from which glucose is made during photosynthesis
Glucose, the primary energy source in cells, is made from two three-carbon GA3Ps.
which structure of the leaf does photosynthesis occur
photosynthesis generally takes place in leaves, which consist of several layers of cells. The process of photosynthesis occurs in a middle layer called the mesophyll. The gas exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen occurs through small, regulated openings called stomata (singular: stoma
what is the function of the stomata(STOMA)
it play roles in the regulation of gas exchange and water balance.
what is the location of the stomata in a leaf
The stomata are typically located on the underside of the leaf, which helps to minimize water loss.
Each stoma is flanked by guard cells that regulate the opening and closing of the stomata by swelling or shrinking in response to osmotic changes.
where does photosynthesis take place in cells
photosynthesis takes place inside an organelle called a chloroplast
define thylakoids
these are disc-shaped structures found within the chloroplast
what is found embeded in the thylakoids
chlorophyl which is pigment (molecule that absorbs light) responsible for the initial interaction between light and plant material, and numerous proteins that make up the electron transport chain is found in the Thylakoids
what is a granum
it is a group or a stack of thylakoids
The thylakoid membrane encloses an internal space called the thylakoid lumen
define the stroma(bed)
this is the the liquid-filled space surrounding the granum
Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts, which have an outer membrane and an inner membrane. Stacks of thylakoids called grana form a third membrane layer.
whatare the stages involved in photosynthesis
- the light-dependent reactions
- the light independent-reactions
what happens in the light dependent reaction
In the light-dependent reactions, energy from sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll and that energy is converted into stored chemical energy.
what happens in the light in-dependent reaction
In the light-independent reactions, the chemical energy harvested during the light-dependent reactions drive the assembly of sugar molecules from carbon dioxide.
although the light-independent reactions do not use light as a reactant, they require the products of the light-dependent reactions to function
what does the sunlight do in the light independent reaction
it helps to activate several enzymes used in the light-independent reactions
what does the light dependent reaction use to store energy
The light-dependent reactions utilize certain molecules referred to as energy carriers to temporarily store the energy
what does the energy carriers do
they move energy from light-dependent reactions to light-independent
these energy carriers are rich in energy and after the energy is released, the “empty” energy carriers return to the light-dependent reaction to obtain more energy.
where does the light dependent reaction take place
ight-dependent reactions, which take place in the thylakoid membrane, use light energy to make ATP and NADPH.