Overview of Photosynthesis and Its Processes

Photosynthesis

Conversion of light energy to chemical energy.

Photoautotrophs

Organisms using light to produce glucose.

Redox Reaction

Involves reduction and oxidation processes.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Range of all types of light energy.

Visible Light Spectrum

Wavelength range of 380 nm to 750 nm.

Wavelength

Distance between successive peaks of a wave.

Pigments

Molecules that absorb and reflect light wavelengths.

Chlorophylls

Primary green pigments in plants and algae.

Carotenoids

Accessory pigments reflecting red, orange, yellow.

Mesophyll Cells

Cells in leaves containing chloroplasts for photosynthesis.

Stomata

Pores allowing gas exchange in leaves.

Guard Cells

Cells regulating the opening and closing of stomata.

Epidermis

Single cell layer covering leaves' surfaces.

Cuticle

Wax layer preventing water loss from leaves.

Chloroplast Envelope

Double membrane surrounding chloroplasts.

Thylakoid Disks

Structures containing photosynthetic pigments in chloroplasts.

Granum

Stack of thylakoid disks in chloroplasts.

Stroma

Fluid inside chloroplasts where dark reactions occur.

Light Reactions

Convert light energy to ATP and NADPH.

Photosystem II

Traps light at 680 nm, splits water.

Electron Transport Chain

Transfers electrons to synthesize ATP.

Photosystem I

Traps light at 700 nm, re-energizes electrons.

Calvin Cycle

Dark reactions producing glucose from carbon dioxide.

RuBP

Ribulose bisphosphate, involved in carbon fixation.

3-PGA

Three-carbon molecules formed in the Calvin Cycle.

G3P

Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate, used to produce glucose.