Photosynthesis and glucose March 15-21, 2017 Biology, Dynamics of Life Chapter 9, pages 220-241

Photosynthesis Overview

Photosynthesis in Brief Process that uses the sun’s energy to make glucose Carried out by green plants(autotrophs/producers) and some blue-green bacteria Purpose is to trap sun’s energy and store it as glucose (food for the plant and consumers)  A typical leaf cell has about 40 chloroplasts, and a square millimeter of leaf typically has about 500,000 chloroplasts. Leaf shape can vary, even within the same plant. Leaves that are more shaded tend to be relatively thin and broad, which provides a large surface area for absorbing light. Leaves that are more exposed to sunlight tend to be thicker and have relatively smaller surface area (which reduces water loss). Chemical equation for photosynthesis 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy  C6H12O6 + 6O2 (Chemical/Empirical Formula of Molecule) carbon dioxide + water + sunlight  glucose + oxygen (Scientific Name)

Photosynthesis Location Occurs in the chloroplast Stroma: Space inside the chloroplast Structure of the chloroplast: Granum stack: Stack of green thylakoids Thylakoid: Green disk in the chloroplast Thylakoids are green because they contain chlorophyll Chlorophyll: green pigment in plants that absorbs light energy Pigment: light-absorbing compound

Photosynthesis: Biochemical Process 2 Step Reaction of Photosynthesis   Light reaction (Light-dependent reaction) – SUNLIGHT REQUIRED First step of photosynthesis that traps sunlight and makes electrons and ATP to run the dark reaction Dark reaction (Light-independent reaction) - NO LIGHT REQUIRED Second step of photosynthesis that uses ATP and electrons from the light reaction and carbon dioxide from the air to make glucose

Light Reaction (Daytime)

Light Reaction Diagram

Dark Reaction (All Day) –Calvin Cycle

Calvin Cycle Diagram

Overall