Photosynthesis

• Photosynthesis is represented by the equation:

  carbon dioxide + water --(light)--> glucose + oxygen

  This reaction is endothermic in which energy is transferred from the environment to the chloroplasts by light
• Photosynthesis takes place in the leaves because they contain chlorophyll which absorbs light energy
• Photosynthesis is represented by the symbol equation:

  CO2 + H2O --> C6H12O6 + O2

  And it is balanced by the ratio 6 : 6 --> 1 : 6
• The factors on the rate of photosynthesis include:

  • Temperature
  • Light Intensity
  • Carbon Dioxide Concentration
  • Amount of Chlorophyll
• All 4 factors that increase the rate of photosynthesis are directly proportional. When the rate increases through the usage of one of these factors, it is determined the limiting factor and when photosynthesis no longer increases, it is no longer the limiting factor.
• The glucose produced in photosynthesis may be:

  • Used for respiration
  • Converted into insoluble starch for storage
  • Used to produce fat or oil for storage
  • Used to produce cellulose, which strengthens the cell wall
  • Used to produce amino acids for protein synthesis.
• To produce proteins, plants also use nitrate ions that are absorbed from the soil.