1. Photosynthesis

2. Pigments of Photosynthesis Pigments are molecules that absorb specific wavelengths (energies) of light and reflect all others. Chlorophyll is the main molecule in charge of capturing the energy from sunlight.

3. Chlorophyll a absorbs …………….. light best. Chlorophyll b absorbs ……………. light best. Why do plants look green? THEY RELFECT GREEN LIGHT!!!

4. Chloroplast Structure

5. NADP + – Electron Carrier Molecule Electron Carrier Molecules – Compound that can accept a pair of high energy electrons and transfer them, along with most of their energy to another molecule – One way the sunlight can be trapped in a chemical form and use it to build glucose for the plant cell – Example: NADP + = accepts and holds 2 high energy electrons along with a hydrogen ion (H + ) When NADP + accepts 2 electrons and a H + it becomes NADPH

6. Chemical Energy and ATP ATP – Adenosine triphosphate – Compound that cells use to store and release energy – Made of adenine, 5-carbon sugar (ribose), and 3 phosphate groups ADP – Adenosine diphosphate – Made of adenine, 5-carbon sugar (ribose), and 2 phosphate groups

7. Chemical Energy and ATP

8. Photosynthesis: Step 1 – Light-Dependent Reaction Sunlight is used to split water into hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O). The Oxygen is released to the atmosphere. Also produces NADPH and ATP for the next step! Takes place in Thylakoids. H2OH2O

9. Photosynthesis: Step 2 – Light-Independent Reaction This step is also called the Calvin Cycle or Light Independent Reaction because it does not need light. CO 2 combines with the hydrogen (H) released during step 1 to form C 6 H 12 O 6 (glucose) The NADPH and ATP made in Light Dependent Rxn provides the energy to make Lt. Independent Rxn work. Takes place in stroma.

10. H2OH2O

11. What affects the rate of photosynthesis? Amount of : - sunlight - CO 2 - H 2 O - temperature All the reactions of photosynthesis are controlled by enzymes. Temperatures above or below the optimum temperature will slow down the chemical reactions.