Photosynthesis I Flashcards
Photosynthesis
Process of converting solar energy to biochemical energy.
Thylakoid
A membrane-bound structure in chloroplasts where light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur
Grana
Stacks of thylakoids in chloroplasts that increase the surface area for photosynthesis. 40-60 grana linked together by arms
Lumen
The inner space of a thylakoid, where protons accumulate during photosynthesis
Stroma
The fluid-filled space surrounding the grana in a chloroplast, where the Calvin cycle takes place
Photosynthesis equation
6CO2 + 6H2O + light ——> C6H12O6 + 6O2
Light-dependent reactions
- The reaction happens in the grana of the inner membrane
- Reactions of photosynthesis that use energy from light to produce ATP, NADPH and O2
Light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle)
- The reaction takes place outside the grana
- Reactions in photosynthesis that do not require light
- Energy from ATP and NADPH is used to build high-energy compounds such as sugar
Biochemical energy
Energy stored in chemical bonds of molecules.
Photosynthesis by-product
O2 released during photosynthesis
For photosynthesis to happen what needs to happen as well?
Respiration also has to happen
Respiration
Respiration occurs in mitochondria where the stored energy (glucose, organic molecules) are converted into ATP
Visible light
- Is what drives and powers photosynthesis
- About 40% of solar energy received on earth is in form of visible light
- Leaves absorb 80% of visible light reaching them
Chlorophyll absorbs which light?
light in the blue (430 nm) and red (680 nm) regions of
the visible spectrum (400-700 nm)
Chlorophyll reflects which light?
Green light is reflected
Chlorophyll a
Primary pigment in photosynthesis, absorbs blue/red light.
Chlorophyll b
- Accessory pigment, transfers energy to chlorophyll a
- Does not directly take part in the light reactions
Accessary Pigments
- Pigments aiding photosynthesis by capturing light
- Carotenoids (yellow and orange),
- Phycobilins (red or blue)
- Accessory pigments are not visible until chlorophyll a breaks down (fall colours)
Carotenoids
Yellow/orange pigments that absorb blue-green light.
Phycobilins
Pigments found in cyanobacteria and red algae.
Calvin cycle
Converts CO2 and RuBP in glucose
Photosystems
Groups of pigment molecules in thylakoids
Photosystem I
Contains P700, uses light energy for electron transfer
P700
Chlorophyll a in PSI, absorbs light at 700 nm