8.3 The Reactions of Photosynthesis
Pigments Pigments: molecules that reflect/absorb light energy Chlorophyll a and b Contained in chloroplasts Contains photo-sensitive membrane that can capture solar energy Reflects green light & absorbs all other colors Capture slightly different wavelengths of energy Accessory pigments Other colors also capture sunlight; pass energy to chlorophyll Xanthophylls, carotenoids
Chloroplasts In a plant Micrograph of a chloroplast
Chloroplasts Structure
Photosynthesis Photosynthesis: Reactants and Products Light Energy Section 8-2 Light Energy Chloroplast CO2 + H2O Sugars + O2
Light-Dependent Reactions Take place only in light Four steps Light absorption Electron transport Breaking of water/oxygen production ATP formation
Light-Independent Reactions Do not require light Calvin Cycle Uses carbon dioxide Forms glucose molecule
The Photosynthesis Equation light 6CO2 + 6H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2 Carbon Water Glucose Oxygen Dioxide (Sugar) Photosynthesis uses the energy from sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into high-energy sugars and oxygen
Energy Shuttling Recall ATP: One phosphate group removed to liberate lots of energy = superb molecule for shuttling energy around within cells. NADP+, NADPH also shuttles energy
Light-dependent Reactions (Thylakoid) Photosystem: light capturing unit containing chlorophyll Electron transport system: electron carrier molecules that shuttle electrons, energy released to make ATP Electrons in chlorophyll must be replaced by electrons from water so that cycle may continue; oxygen is liberated from the light reactions Light reactions make ATP and NADPH used to fuel the reactions of the Calvin cycle (light independent reactions)
Calvin Cycle (light independent or “dark” reactions) (STROMA) ATP and NADPH from light reactions used to break CO2 apart, then reassemble the carbons into glucose. Called carbon fixation: taking carbon from an inorganic molecule (atmospheric CO2) and making an organic molecule out of it (glucose)
Homework Assignment: due 2/11/13 In your comp book: Label the parts of a chloroplast on diagram provided p. 231 Organize information: Light-dependent reactions Light-independent reactions Definition Where take place Reactants Products