Monday, December 13, 2010

Chapter 7 - Photosynthesis: Using Light to Make Food

Q: What is photosynthesis?
A: Photosynthesis is a process that converts light energy into glucose for energy the cell can use.
Q: What are the reactants of photosynthesis?
A: There are two reactants of photosynthesis, carbon dioxide, water, and light energy.
Q: What are the two stages of photosynthesis and how are they connected?
A: Light reactions and the Calvin Cycle are the two stages of photosynthesis and they are linked by ATP and NADPH.

Five Main Facts:
1) 6CO2 + 6H2O+ Light energy ---> C6H12O6+ 6O2
2) Photosystems are certain wavelengths of visible light, absorbed by pigments such as chlorophyll and carotenoids.
3) There are two stages of photosynthesis, light reactions and the Calvin Cycle.
4) ATP and NADPH power sugar synthesis in the Calvin Cycle.
5) Chemiosmosis powers ATP synthesis in the light reactions.

This is a diagram of an electron transport chain with provides energy for synthesis of ATP by chemiosmosis.

Photosynthesis uses light energy to create ATP. There are two stages of photosynthesis, light reactions and the Calvin Cycle. Photosystems make it able for light to be absorbed by pigments. This starts the chemical reaction. The Calvin Cycle converts CO2 into sugars. 

Key Terms:
1) Photosynthesis: chemical reaction in which light is converted into ATP
2) Autotrophs: plants are considered this because they are able to make their own food and sustain themselves
3) Producers: plants that make their own organic molecules and are the ultimate source of organic molecules for almost all other organisms
4) Chlorophyll: light absorbing pigment in the chloroplasts that plays a central role in converting solar energy to chemical energy
5) Mesophyll: green tissue in the interior of the leaf
6) Stomata: tiny pores in the leaf
7) Stroma: thick fluid that fills chloroplasts
8) Thylakoids: system of interconnected membranous sacs
9) Grana: concentrated stacks of thylakoids
10) Carbon fixation: incorporation  of carbon from CO2 into organic compounds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj_WKgnL6MI

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