Energy is the driving force behind all cellular activities. From... Show more
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
0
0
Myra
12/2/2025
Biology
Cell energy
23
•
Dec 2, 2025
•
Understanding Photosynthesis and Plant Energy Conversion
Myra
@ang3lz.soul
1 / 3
ATP: The Cell's Energy Currency
Ever wonder how your cells power everything you do? They use ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of cells. ATP works like having change for a vending machine instead of a $100 bill—it's the usable form of energy cells need for immediate tasks.
When cells need energy, they break the bond between the 2nd and 3rd phosphate groups in ATP. This releases energy and converts ATP to ADP (adenosine diphosphate) plus a free phosphate. Think of ATP as a charged battery and ADP as a dead one—cells constantly cycle between these forms.
Cells use ATP energy for crucial functions like nerve transmission, active transport (moving substances in and out of cells), and cellular growth. Without ATP, none of your body's essential processes could happen!
Energy Fact: All energy on Earth originally comes from the sun! Plants capture this energy through photosynthesis, and we get it by eating plants or animals that ate plants.
Photosynthesis: Creating Food from Light
Plants are nature's food factories! Through photosynthesis, plants convert light energy into chemical energy (sugar). This amazing process requires just four ingredients: sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and chlorophyll.
The simplified equation for photosynthesis is: 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂
This process happens in chloroplasts, specialized organelles containing a green pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs blue/violet and red light wavelengths while reflecting green and yellow—that's why plants appear green to us!
Photosynthesis occurs in two stages: the light-dependent reactions and the dark reactions (Calvin Cycle). During light reactions, water is split, oxygen is released, and energy carriers (ATP and NADPH) are created. These energy carriers then power the dark reactions.
Cool Connection: Every time you breathe out carbon dioxide, you're providing raw material that plants can use to make food through photosynthesis!
From Light to Sugar to Energy
The light reactions of photosynthesis occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts. When light strikes chlorophyll, it energizes electrons and splits water molecules, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. The energized electrons help create ATP and NADPH, which carry energy to the dark reactions.
The Calvin Cycle (dark reactions) happens in the stroma of chloroplasts and doesn't directly require light. Here, carbon dioxide combines with the energy carriers from the light reactions to produce glucose. This process effectively transforms atmospheric carbon into usable organic compounds.
Cellular respiration is essentially photosynthesis in reverse. The equation is: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂ → 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + energy (ATP)
The process begins with glycolysis in the cytoplasm, which yields 2 ATP. If oxygen is available, aerobic respiration continues with the Krebs Cycle (which produces 2 more ATP) and the electron transport chain. These processes extract the maximum energy from glucose and convert it to the ATP your cells need to function.
Think About It: Photosynthesis and cellular respiration form a perfect cycle—plants make glucose and release oxygen, while animals use glucose and oxygen to make energy, releasing carbon dioxide that plants need!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Photosynthesis and Plant Energy Conversion
Myra
@ang3lz.soul
Energy is the driving force behind all cellular activities. From muscle movement to nerve transmission, cells need energy to perform their essential functions. Let's explore how cells capture, store, and use energy through ATP, photosynthesis, and cellular respiration.
ATP: The Cell's Energy Currency
Ever wonder how your cells power everything you do? They use ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of cells. ATP works like having change for a vending machine instead of a $100 bill—it's the usable form of energy cells need for immediate tasks.
When cells need energy, they break the bond between the 2nd and 3rd phosphate groups in ATP. This releases energy and converts ATP to ADP (adenosine diphosphate) plus a free phosphate. Think of ATP as a charged battery and ADP as a dead one—cells constantly cycle between these forms.
Cells use ATP energy for crucial functions like nerve transmission, active transport (moving substances in and out of cells), and cellular growth. Without ATP, none of your body's essential processes could happen!
Energy Fact: All energy on Earth originally comes from the sun! Plants capture this energy through photosynthesis, and we get it by eating plants or animals that ate plants.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Photosynthesis: Creating Food from Light
Plants are nature's food factories! Through photosynthesis, plants convert light energy into chemical energy (sugar). This amazing process requires just four ingredients: sunlight, carbon dioxide, water, and chlorophyll.
The simplified equation for photosynthesis is: 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂
This process happens in chloroplasts, specialized organelles containing a green pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs blue/violet and red light wavelengths while reflecting green and yellow—that's why plants appear green to us!
Photosynthesis occurs in two stages: the light-dependent reactions and the dark reactions (Calvin Cycle). During light reactions, water is split, oxygen is released, and energy carriers (ATP and NADPH) are created. These energy carriers then power the dark reactions.
Cool Connection: Every time you breathe out carbon dioxide, you're providing raw material that plants can use to make food through photosynthesis!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
From Light to Sugar to Energy
The light reactions of photosynthesis occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts. When light strikes chlorophyll, it energizes electrons and splits water molecules, releasing oxygen as a byproduct. The energized electrons help create ATP and NADPH, which carry energy to the dark reactions.
The Calvin Cycle (dark reactions) happens in the stroma of chloroplasts and doesn't directly require light. Here, carbon dioxide combines with the energy carriers from the light reactions to produce glucose. This process effectively transforms atmospheric carbon into usable organic compounds.
Cellular respiration is essentially photosynthesis in reverse. The equation is: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂ → 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + energy (ATP)
The process begins with glycolysis in the cytoplasm, which yields 2 ATP. If oxygen is available, aerobic respiration continues with the Krebs Cycle (which produces 2 more ATP) and the electron transport chain. These processes extract the maximum energy from glucose and convert it to the ATP your cells need to function.
Think About It: Photosynthesis and cellular respiration form a perfect cycle—plants make glucose and release oxygen, while animals use glucose and oxygen to make energy, releasing carbon dioxide that plants need!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
0
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Similar Content
The Integumentary System
Notes on the integumentary system (includes the skin, sweat glands, oil glands, hair, nails) for anatomy and physiology classes.
Biology10th
Atmospheric Dynamics & Storms
Explore the intricate relationship between atmospheric circulation and tropical storm formation. This summary covers key concepts such as the structure of the atmosphere, the role of pressure systems, and the mechanics behind tropical cyclones. Understand how solar radiation influences weather patterns and the essential conditions for storm development, including temperature and wind dynamics.
Biology10
Cell cycle and cell transport in A&P
Notes on cell cycle and transport in anatomy and physiology
Biology9th
Skin Burns
The different types of burns and how they affect the body. Also includes how to calculate the percentage of the body a burn affects on an adult
Biology11th
Photosynthesis overview
Learn about the main parts and processes of photosynthesis in chloroplasts, including light-dependent and light-independent reactions, pigment absorption, and ATP production.
Biology9th
ANATOMY - Histology & Tissues
Anatomy Unit 1 Notes Content: Connective tissues, muscle tissues, and nervous tissues (descriptions, functions, and classifications of mentioned tissues)
Biology11th
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user