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photosynthate
sugar product of photosynthesis
photosynthesis formula
CO2 + H2O + light → C6H12O6 + O2
what is the main photosynthetic organ in plants?
leaves
stomata
pores that let gases into the cell, the cell can also lose water through these pores
cuticle
the waxy protective layer
why is the leaf’s epidermis transparent?
to let light in for photosynthesis
electromagnetic (EM) radiation
energy that is given off by the sun
photon
“packet” of EM radiation energy
why is visible light the only light used in photosynthesis?
other light types can’t reach Earth and it has just the right amount of energy
when light hits an object, what can occur?
reflection, transmission, absorption
pigments
can absorb certain wavelengths and reflect others
chlorophylls (A + B)
the primary photosynthetic pigment in plants
where are chlorophylls located?
embedded in the thylakoid
accessory pigments
help in harvesting light
the main accessory pigments in plants
carotenoids (carotenes and xanthophylls) and cyanins
absorption spectrum
determined by how effectively wavelengths are absorbed
action spectrum
how well different wavelengths power photosynthesis
action and absorption spectrum relation
they are similar to each other
florescence
a lower energy photon releases light
resonance
when most energy is passed to a neighboring pigment
what is modern life dependent on?
the 5-10% of autotrophs performing photosynthesis
guard cells
regulate the size of the stomata
mesophyll
the layer inside of a leaf that is the main site of photosynthesis, is rich in chloroplasts
chloroplast
the organelle where photosynthesis occurs
vascular bundles (“veins”)
transport materials in and out of the leaf
xylem
tissues that water travels through
phloem
tissue that sap travels through
flavonoids
pigments that act as melanin for humans
what happens when light photons are absorbed?
energy is transferred to an electron and excites the electron
