PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Question: Why are plants green?

Chlorophyll Molecules Located in the thylakoid membranes Plants are green because the green wavelength is reflected, not absorbed.

Chlorophyll absorbs blue-violet & red light best wavelength violet blue green yellow orange red Absorption 400 500 600 700 Short wave Long wave (more energy) (less energy)

Photosynthesis has 2 steps

Step 1: The Light Reactions Chlorophyll traps sunlight Electron carriers are made Oxygen released A small amount of ATP made

Step 2: The Dark Reactions ATP and electrons from light reactions used Takes in CO2 Makes SUGAR