How light is captured by plants to make food PHOTOSYNTHESIS How light is captured by plants to make food

PHOTOSYNTHESIS Photosynthesis is a process by which light energy is converted into chemical energy of sugars and other organic compounds

Light energy from light drives the reactions. Photosynthesis equation: 6 CO2 + 6 H2O → 6(CH2O) + 6 O2

Electromagnetic Energy The solar energy called visible light drives photosynthesis. Solar radiation is composed of electromagnetic energy Remember, energy cannot be created or destroyed. When light is absorbed by a green plant, a small portion of that energy is converted into chemical energy in the process of photosynthesis. Why are plants green?

Chloroplast Structure Chloroplasts are the sites of photosynthesis. These double-membrane bound organelles enclose additional membranes called thylakoids.

Plants are green because they have a substance called chlorophyll in them.

The chlorophyll samples show peaks of                                                              The chlorophyll samples show peaks of absorbance at wavelengths in the blue and red areas of the visible spectrum. Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light but reflect green light!

STAGES OF PHOTO- SYNTHESIS Redwood tree in California- 380 feet tall

PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Overview of Photosynthesis STAGE 1 - THE LIGHT DEPENDENT REACTIONS. Energy is captured from Sunlight. Water is Split into Hydrogen Ions, Electrons, and Oxygen (O2). The O2 Diffuses out of the Chloroplasts (Byproduct).

Overview of Photosynthesis STAGE 2 - The Light Energy is Converted to Chemical Energy, which is Temporarily Stored in ATP and NADPH.

Overview of Photosynthesis STAGE 3 -THE CALVIN CYCLE The Chemical Energy Stored in ATP and NADPH powers the formation of Organic Compounds (Sugars), using Carbon Dioxide, CO2.

Overview of Photosynthesis