1. Photosynthesis
The process of producing the organic molecule Needed for cellular respiration.

2. What is Photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis = “Light Making”
Autotrophs: Organisms that make their own food (glucose)
Occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells
Chlorophyll: Pigment in plant cells that absorbs the sunlight needed for photosynthesis.

3. H2O + CO2 + Sunlight  C6H12O6 + O2
Chemical Equation:
H2O + CO2 + Sunlight  C6H12O6 + O2
Water Carbon Dioxide Energy Glucose Oxygen
Reactants Products

5. Step 1: The Light Reactions
An enzyme splits apart water to make electrons and oxygen.
Oxygen is a waste product.
Energy from the sun moves the electrons through an Electron Transport Chain.
ATP is made to use in Step 2.
Occurs inside the chloroplast

6. Step 2: The Dark Reactions
The Calvin Cycle
A series of chemical reactions occur that turn carbon dioxide into glucose.

7. The Big Picture:

8. Summary: Light Reactions (Electron Transport Chain):
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H2O split to make O2
Dark Reactions (Calvin Cycle):
CO2 converted into C6H12O6

9. Factors that Effect Photosynthesis:

10. Gas Exchange
Guard Cells: Specialized cells in plant leaves that open and close to:
Let CO2 into the plant
Let O2 and water out of the plant
Stomata: The opening of the
guard cell

11. Sunlight & Pigments Sunlight may be called: Light travels in waves.
Insolation: Incoming Solar Radiation
Light travels in waves.
Pigments absorb these waves.
Chlorophyll: Main pigment that absorbs all waves but green
Accessory Pigments: “Helping Pigments” that absorb additional light waves

13. Connections: