April 13, 2017 Journal:What three things does a plant need in order to perform photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis: Formation of Glucose

Takes Place in the Chloroplast Organelle found in plants and bacteria that has an inner and an outer membrane The space inside the inner membrane is called the stroma Inside the stroma there are flat, pancake shaped discs that are called thylakoids

Thylakoids Absorb light energy from the sun Begins the process of photosynthesis

Pigments Substance found within thylakoids that can absorb certain wavelengths (colors) of light and reflects all the other wavelengths The color you see is the wavelength actually being reflected

Chlorophyll Green pigments found in chloroplasts that absorbs most wavelengths of light, but reflects green and yellow light causing the leaves to appear green

Steps of Photosynthesis Step 1: Light from the sun is absorbed by chlorophyll found in the chloroplasts. Step 2: Carbon dioxide and water are transported to the chloroplasts Step 3: The Light Reactions Step 4: The Dark Reactions

Light Reactions Occurs in the thylakoids Sunlight, Carbon Dioxide, and Water react to form ATP and NADPH, which then go to the stroma where the dark reactions occur. Requires sunlight to be present

Dark Reactions Also known as the Calvin Cycle ATP and NADPH from the light reactions leave the thylakoids and move to the stroma, where they combine with carbon dioxide to form sugar in the form of glucose (C6H12O6) Does not require sunlight to be present

Factors that Affect Photosynthesis Light Intensity Carbon dioxide concentration Temperature