basics of photosynthesis

what is the basics photosynthesis equation

6CO2+6H2O+light energy→C6H12O6+6O2

1. envelope or double membrane

2. thylakoid disk (one disk)

3. granum thylakoid stack

4. lamella

5. stalked particles

6. starch brain

7. stroma

list adaptations of the leaf for photosynthesis

1. broad and thin providing large surface area for maximum light absorption

2. leaves are very thin this means that there is a short diffusion for the CO2 to reach the palisade ells where photosynthesis occurs.

3. waxy cuticle is translucent allowing light through to the palisade

4. Stomata for gas exchange

5. xylem to bring water to the cells

6. palisade near the top so exposed to higher light intensity

how is the chloroplast adapted for photosynthesis

1. rod shaped to increase surface area

2. thylakoid is arranged into stacks called grana which increases the surface area which light can be absorbed. And increases the surface area for electron carrier and etc

3. contain DNA + ribosomes to enable them to make needed protein quickly

4. chloroplast contain a large range of pigments to increase the overall light energy absorbed.

what is a photosystem and what does it do

A photosystem has a funnel like structure with several hundred chlorophyll molecules plus accessory pigments like carotene. It absorbs light energy and transfers it to a reaction centre to drive the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. There embedded in the thylakoid membrane.

1. photosystem

2. primary pigment reaction centre

3. accessory pigments

4. thylakoid membrane

5. thylakoid

reaction system

A region within a photosystem containing a pair of chlorophyll a molecules that absorb light energy, become excited, and release high-energy electrons to an electron transport chain in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.

how many different photosystem and why are there different one

• there are 2 photosystem 1 and 2

• there activated by different wave length meaning the plant can absorb a larger range of light waves

list the 3 main pigments and there colours

1. chlorophyll there are 2 types A= blue green and B= yellow green

2. carotenoids

what does an absorption spectra show

• What it shows: The amount (absorbance) of light absorbed by specific photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids) at different wavelengths.

action spectra

action spectrum shows which wavelengths are most effective for photosynthesis due to the combined absorption of all pigments.

key point = Action spectra do not measure absorption directly.

• They measure rate of photosynthesis (e.g. oxygen production) at different wavelengths.

what do lamella do

increase surface area connect grana