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Photosynthesis

• Definition: Process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy.

• Importance: Essential for life on Earth; primary energy source for ecosystems; produces oxygen for aerobic organisms.

• Key Components:

  1. Chlorophyll: Pigment in chloroplasts; absorbs sunlight (blue and red wavelengths).

  2. Light Energy: Sunlight captured in light reactions.

  3. Water (H2O): Absorbed through roots; split during light reactions, producing oxygen.

  4. Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Obtained from air; fixed in Calvin cycle to form glucose.

• Photosynthesis Process:

  1. Light Reactions: Occur in thylakoid membranes; convert light energy to ATP and NADPH; produce oxygen.

  2. Calvin Cycle: Occurs in stroma; uses ATP and NADPH to convert CO2 into glucose.

• Summary: Converts solar energy into chemical energy, sustaining life and releasing oxygen to ecosystem.