Photosynthesis

• Photosynthesis


  • Occurs in the chloroplast
  • Uses energy from sunlight
  • Produces molecules for growth
• Photosynthesis


  1. Two Stage Process

  2. First stage (Light reaction): Chloroplasts trap light energy, water enters through roots, energy molecules are produced

  3. Second stage (Dark Reaction): Carbon dioxide from air moves into leaf, Glucose is produced using energy molecules, Doesn't require sunlight
• Organelles and their roles in photosynthesis

  • Nucleus - Contains the genetic code to make enzymes and proteins for photosynthesis
  • Cell Membrane - Allows gas and water to pass in and out of the cell while controlling passage of other molecules
  • Cell Wall - Strengthens the cell
  • Vacuole - Contains cell sap to keep the cell turgid
  • Cytoplasm - Enzymes and other proteins used in photosynthesis made here
  • Chloroplast - Site of photosynthesis
• Limiting factors can affect the rate of photosynthesis
• Limiting factors for photosynthesis

  • Light intensity
  • Carbon dioxide
  • Temperature
  • Water
  • Chlorophyll
• Temperature and photosynthesis


  • Temperature can cause enzymes to denature
  • Once enzymes are denatured photosynthesis can no longer occur
• Knowing the limiting factors can help improve yield
• Light intensity and photosynthesis

  1. Light travels in waves

  2. These waves spread out as they move away from a source

  3. The further from a source, the more the light is spread out

  4. Inverse Square Law - Light intensity (LI) at any distance (d) from a light source is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the light source
• What is the balanced equation for photosynthesis?

  6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2
• What role does the nucleus have in photosynthesis?

  Contains the genetic code to make proteins and enzymes required for photosynthesis
• What role does the cell membrane have in photosynthesis?

  Allows gas and water to pass in and out of the cell while controlling the passage of other molecules
• What role does the cell wall have in photosynthesis?

  Strengthens the cell
• What role does the vacuole have in photosynthesis?

  Contains cell sap to keep the cell turgid
• What role does the cytoplasm have in photosynthesis?

  Enzymes and other proteins used in photosynthesis are made here
• What role does the chloroplasts have in photosynthesis?

  Site of photosynthesis