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Question

Question: Define photosynthesis with a flow chart and chemical reactions...

Define photosynthesis with a flow chart and chemical reactions

Answer

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy. The chemical reaction is:

6CO2+6H2OSunlight, ChlorophyllC6H12O6+6O26CO_2 + 6H_2O \xrightarrow{\text{Sunlight, Chlorophyll}} C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2

The flow chart involves: Light Absorption, Water Splitting, Formation of Energy Carriers, Carbon Fixation, and Glucose production.

Explanation

Solution

Photosynthesis Definition:

Photosynthesis is the process where green plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy. This occurs in chloroplasts, using sunlight, water (H₂O), and carbon dioxide (CO₂) to produce glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂).

Chemical Reaction:

6CO2+6H2OSunlight, ChlorophyllC6H12O6+6O26CO_2 + 6H_2O \xrightarrow{\text{Sunlight, Chlorophyll}} C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2

Flow Chart:

  1. Light Absorption: Chlorophyll in thylakoid membranes absorbs sunlight.

  2. Water Splitting (Photolysis): Water molecules split into hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O₂). Oxygen is released.

  3. Formation of Energy Carriers: ATP and NADPH are produced via light-dependent reactions in the thylakoids.

  4. Carbon Fixation (Calvin Cycle): ATP and NADPH convert CO₂ into glucose during light-independent reactions in the stroma.

  5. Outcome: Glucose is produced, storing energy, while oxygen is released.

Summary:

Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using light energy absorbed by chlorophyll. It includes light-dependent reactions (producing ATP, NADPH, and O₂) and light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle, fixing CO₂ into glucose).