4.7 Photosynthesis Overview Unit 4: Cell Energy 4.7 Photosynthesis Overview
Photosynthesis Uses energy from sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide (reactants) into high energy sugars and oxygen (products)
Photosynthesis Sunlight is the ultimate energy for all life on Earth Plants then use sugars to produce complex carbohydrates and provide energy Plants store energy from the sun in the chemical bonds of sugars Chemical energy is released as ATP during cellular respiration BOTH IN PLANT AND ANIMAL CELLS
Overall Equation
Sunlight Sunlight is a mixture of different wavelengths our eyes perceive as white Colors include red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet The sun’s energy travels to Earth as light
Chloroplast Organelle where photosynthesis occurs
Structure Contain an inner and outer membrane Thylakoid: saclike photosynthetic membranes Grana: Interconnected stacks of thylakoid Stroma: Fluid outside the thylakoid
Thylakoid Membrane Thylakoid Space Granum Stroma Outer Membrane Inner Membrane
Pigments Pigments are light-absorbing molecules that gather the sun’s energy Pigments are located in the thylakoid membranes
Chlorophyll A plant’s principle pigment Chlorophyll absorbs visible light especially well Chlorophyll absorbs blue-violet and red wavelengths of light best Chlorophyll reflects green wavelengths, causing them to appear green
Fall Colors Plants also contain red and orange pigments, such as carotene, that absorb light in other regions of the spectrum. As temperatures drop later in the year, chlorophyll pigments break sown first, leaving red and orange pigments to be seen
Reactions in Photosynthesis Light Dependent Reactions Light Independent Reactions Require direct involvement of light Use sun’s energy to produce ATP Takes place in the thylakoids Water is required as a sources of electrons and hydrogen ions Oxygen is released No Light is required ATP and NADPH are used to make sugars Takes place in the stroma Carbon dioxide is required
Questions In which organisms does photosynthesis occur? In which organisms does cellular respiration occur? Why do leaves change colors in the fall? What does photosynthesis produce?