Photosynthesis

• Photosynthesis occurs when carbon dioxide and water are put together in the presence of sunlight to produce glucose and oxygen.
• Formula for Photosynthesis

  
• Chlorophyll traps sunlight to produce energy for photosynthesis
• All reactions for photosynthesis occur in the chloroplast/ starch grains
• Photosynthesis only takes place in the chloroplast
• Photosynthesis occurs in 2 stages:

  1. Light Dependent Stage
  2. Light Independent Stage
• The light dependent stage requires light energy.

  The light energy is absorbed by the chlorophyll in the chloroplasts and is used to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

  The oxygen is a waste product and is produced as a gas.
• In the light independent stage, the carbon from the CO2 atom combines with the hydrogen from the water molecule (H2O) to form the glucose molecule (C6, H12, O6)
• The light independent stage can take place either with or without light
• The light independent stage requires enzymes
• Conditions necessary for photosynthesis:

  1. Carbon dioxide
  2. Water
  3. Sunlight
  4. Enzymes
  5. Chlorophyll
  6. Suitable temperature (5°C - 40°C)