1. 8.1 Overview of Photosynthesis Photosynthesis converts solar energy into chemical energy. Organisms that carry on photosynthesis are called autotrophs. Heterotrophs are organisms that feed on other organisms. Autotrophs and heterotrophs use organic molecules produced by photosynthesis Pigments allow photosynthetic organisms to capture solar energy.

2. 8.1 Overview of Photosynthesis Flowering Plants as Photosynthesizers –Photosynthesis occurs in the green parts of plants –Leaves contain mesophyll tissue specialized for photosynthesis –Water is taken up by roots and transported to leaves by veins –Carbon dioxide enters through openings in the leaves called stomata –Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll and other pigments in thylakoids of chloroplasts

3. Leaves and Photosynthesis

4. 8.1 Overview of Photosynthesis Photosynthetic Reaction –Solar energy + 6CO 2 + 6H 2 O  C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O 2 Glucose and oxygen are the products of photosynthesis The oxygen given off comes from water CO 2 gains hydrogen atoms and becomes a carbohydrate

5. 8.1 Overview of Photosynthesis Photosynthesis consists of two sets of reactions –Photo refers to capturing light –Synthesis refers to producing a carbohydrate The two sets of reactions are called the: –Light Reactions –Calvin Cycle Reactions

6. 8.5 Photosynthesis Versus Cellular Respiration Both plant and animal cells carry out cell respiration Only plant cells photosynthesize Both processes utilize an electron transport chain and chemiosmosis for ATP production Photosynthesis reduces CO 2 to carbohydrates and releases O 2 Respiration utilizes O 2 and gives off CO 2

7. Photosynthesis and Respiration Compared