Photosynthesis (Definition)

• Photosynthesis

  Process by which plants, some protists and bacteria use light energy to make food in the form of carbohydrates (glucose)
• Photosynthesis

  • Produces not just food for themselves but also oxygen for all living things
• Photosynthesis

  6 CO2 + 6 H20 -> C6H1206 + 6 O2
• Pigments

  Light-capturing molecules used by plants, specifically chlorophyll
• Chlorophyll

  • Absorbs red and blue light but deflects green light, which is why many plants appear green
• Light Dependent Reactions

  One of the two major reactions in photosynthesis
• Light Independent Reactions

  One of the two major reactions in photosynthesis
• Plants

  • Have many adaptations that can help them perform photosynthesis, involving the diversity of leaf shapes, coverings, and pigments