Photosynthesis

Chloroplast Structure

Photosynthetic Reactions Light dependent reactions Light independent reactions (Calvin Cycle)

Light Reactions Light dependent reactions take place in the thylakoid membrane, with the pigment chlorophyll absorbing sunlight

Light Reactions 1. Energy from sunlight breaks water into H+, oxygen (O2) and electrons (e-).

Light Reactions 2. H+ and e- are used to produce energy carrying molecules NADPH and ATP

Light Independent Reactions Light independent reactions occur in the stroma

The Calvin (C3) Cycle

CO2 enters the leaf through the stomates The Calvin (C3) Cycle

ATP and NADPH (from the light reactions) power the creation of three carbon chains The Calvin (C3) Cycle

The Calvin (C3) Cycle ADP and NADP+ return to the light reactions in the thylakoid to be “recharged” The Calvin (C3) Cycle

Formation of Glucose C-C-C + C-C-C  C-C-C-C-C-C Glucose C6H12O6 3-carbon chains from the C3 cycle join to form the six carbon molecule, glucose (or other molecules required by the plant) C-C-C + C-C-C  C-C-C-C-C-C Glucose C6H12O6

Net Equation for Photosynthesis 6 CO2 + 6 H2O      C6H12O6 + 6 O2 light, enzymes