Photosynthesis
In the process of photosynthesis, light energy is used to convert 6 molecules of carbon dioxide and 12 molecules of water into one molecule of glucose and 6 molecules of oxygen, which provides the oxygen that animals need to survive. The chemical equation for photosynthesis is 6CO₂ + 12H₂0 → C6H12O6 + 6O2.
Light-dependent reactions
These reactions occur in the thylakoids of the chloroplast, where chlorophyll absorbs water (H2O) and photons from sunlight, producing energy in the form of ATP and NADPH, while also releasing oxygen by splitting water molecules.
Light Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)
In the Calvin Cycle, which is the light-independent phase of photosynthesis, the process begins with Carbon Fixation, where carbon dioxide combines with the five-carbon sugar RuBP. This is catalyzed by the enzyme RuBisCo and leads to the formation of two 3-carbon molecules. The second phase involves the reduction of these 3-carbon molecules with the help of ATP and NADPH to create glyceraldehyde-3-phosphates. The final phase is the regeneration of Ribulose, where the half sugars produced in the previous phase are either metabolized into glucose or regenerated to continue the photosynthesis process.
Cellular Respiration
Cellular respiration is the process through which living organisms, including plants, release energy from glucose. It involves the breakdown of glucose to produce carbon dioxide, water, and ATP energy.
ATP Production
ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is the energy currency for the cells and is made by breaking down glucose during cellular respiration. The process involves glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and the electron transport chain. In the end, a lot of ATP is made in the mitochondria, and water is released during the electron transport chain, resulting in the creation of roughly 34 ATP.
Key Vocabulary
- Light-dependent reactions: The phase of photosynthesis that creates oxygen and uses light energy to produce ATP and NADPH.
- Light independent reactions: The phase of photosynthesis that takes in CO2 and uses ATP and NADPH to produce glucose.
- Chlorophyll: A pigment found in all green plants that absorbs light for photosynthesis.
- Chloroplasts: Plant cell organelles that convert light energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis.
In conclusion, photosynthesis and cellular respiration are two essential processes for all living organisms, providing the energy needed for survival and promoting the balance of gases in the atmosphere.
