1. Photosynthesis

2. Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the production of carbon compounds in cells using light energy.
This process uses the energy from light to produce oxygen(O2) and carbohydrates from water(H2O)and carbon dioxide(CO2)
Photolysis –
The cutting of 2 Water into 4 H+ ions and one O2

3. Leaf Structure

4. Leaf Structure Cuticles: Waxy waterproof layer – Minimizes evaporation
Upper Epidermis : Clear layer of cells – Allow sunlight to pass to the chloroplasts
Palisade Mesophyll: Chloroplasts are packed here
Spongy Mesophyll: Gas Exchange occurs here
Lower Epidermis: Contain pores called stomata
Stomata: Small holes that control the release of O2 and the uptake of CO2

5. Chloroplast Structure
Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant leaf cells
Chloroplast structure includes
Double membrane
Grana
Look like a stack of coins
Membrane is called the “thylakoid membrane”
Stroma
Fluid surrounding the grana
Chlopophyll – Pigment in plant cells that absorbs red and blue wavelengths of light.

9. Absorption vs Action

10. Absorption vs Action
this phenomenon can be demonstrated by an absorption spectrum, which shows chlorophyll’s light absorption vs. wavelength of light, or an action spectrum, which shows the effectiveness of different wavelengths of light at driving photosynthesis

11. Chloroplasts Structure/Function
The chloroplast structure is closely related to its function
Has an intricately folded membrane that provides more surface area for light absorption
These foldings form the thylakoids, which, when stacked upon each other, form grana

12. The thylakoids provide a small space inside for the accumulation of protons to use in ATP production
The fluid in the chloroplast (stroma) has enzymes that are used in the Calvin cycle (aka Rubisco)

13. Photosynthesis Limiting factors in photosynthesis
Limiting factors are conditions that are essential for the life of the plant
Can affect how well the plant can photosynthesize and thus how well it survives

14. Many plants prefer a particular amount of light intensity
Various plants have different requirements in terms of how much carbon dioxide they need (think about C4 plants vs. C3 plants)
Plants also need specific amounts of water to survive
Temperatures must also be within a certain range for different plants to survive
pH is critical to a plant’s survival as a change in the pH can effect the proteins’ structure

15. Overview
Photosynthesis consists of light-dependant and light-independent reactions
Light-dependent reaction (aka photolysis)
Consists of Photosystems I and II
Occurs in the thylakoid membrane of the grana
Thylakoid membrane contains chlorophyll (pigment that absorbs red and blue light and reflects yellow and green)