( Chapter 8 - Photosynthesis )

Photosynthesis

The process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy, using CO2 to build sugars and other organic molecules.

Chemical equation for Photosynthesis

6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2, carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Light Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)

Part of photosynthesis that does not require light, uses ATP and NADPH to produce organic molecules from CO2.

Light Dependent Reactions

Reactions that capture light energy to produce ATP and NADPH, occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.

Thylakoid Membranes

Structures in chloroplasts where photophosphorylation takes place, converting light energy into chemical energy.

ATP synthesis

The process of producing ATP, which occurs during photophosphorylation in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.

Calvin Cycle - Carbon fixation

Step in the Calvin cycle where CO2 is attached to ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP) by RuBisCO.

G3P

Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, a product formed in the Calvin cycle that can be used to make sugars.

Chlorophyll A

The main photosynthetic pigment that absorbs blue-violet and red light.

Accessory Pigments

Pigments like chlorophyll B and carotenoids that assist in capturing light energy.

RuBP

Ribulose bisphosphate, which is regenerated in the Calvin cycle for ongoing CO2 fixation.

NADPH

A molecule that provides reducing power in the Calvin cycle, produced during light-dependent reactions.

Producers

Organisms like plants and algae that perform photosynthesis to create energy.

Mass Formation in Plants

The mass of plants ultimately comes from carbon taken from the atmosphere during photosynthesis.

Photophosphorylation

The process of converting light energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP during photosynthesis.

Carotenoids

Orange or yellow pigments that help capture light energy and protect plants from oxidative damage.

written equation for photosynthesis

carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.