Question
Question: Define photosynthesis with a flow chart and chemical reactions...
Define photosynthesis with a flow chart and chemical reactions
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+6O2
The flow chart involves: Light Absorption, Water Splitting, Formation of Energy Carriers, Carbon Fixation, and Glucose production.
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+6O2
Flow Chart:
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Light Absorption: Chlorophyll in thylakoid membranes absorbs sunlight.
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Water Splitting (Photolysis): Water molecules split into hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O₂). Oxygen is released.
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Formation of Energy Carriers: ATP and NADPH are produced via light-dependent reactions in the thylakoids.
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Carbon Fixation (Calvin Cycle): ATP and NADPH convert CO₂ into glucose during light-independent reactions in the stroma.
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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).