1. PHOTOSYNTHESIS

2. Question:
Why are plants green?

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

4. 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)

5. Photosynthesis has 2 steps

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

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