photosynthesis

• word equation of photosynthesis =

  carbon dioxide + water -light energy-> sugar + oxegyn
• During the light reactions, light energy from the sun is trapped by chlorophyll in chloroplasts and is converted into chemical energy which is used to generate ATP.
• Water is split to produce Hydrogen and Oxygen. Oxygen diffuses out of the cell.
• A series of enzyme-controlled reactions, which use hydrogen and ATP (produced by the light reactions) are combined with carbon dioxide to produce sugar.
• The chemical energy in sugar is available for respiration or the sugar can be converted into other substances, such as starch for storage, and cellulose which is structural and used in cell walls.
• The three limiting factors for photosynthesis are:

  • Carbon dioxide concentration
  • Light intensity
  • Temperature
• If any factor limits the rate of photosynthesis, then this will have an overall negative impact on plant growth and will slow the overall rate of photosynthesis.