An overview of photosynthesis

• What is the definition of autotrophs?

  Organisms that synthesize complex organic molecules from simple inorganic molecules.
• How do photoautotrophs obtain energy?

  They synthesize complex organic molecules using light energy.
• Give an example of a photoautotroph.

  Plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria.
• What distinguishes chemoautotrophs from photoautotrophs?

  Chemoautotrophs synthesize organic molecules using chemical energy, while photoautotrophs use light energy.
• What is the definition of heterotrophs?

  Organisms that acquire their complex organic molecules by ingesting other organisms.
• What types of organisms are considered heterotrophs?

  Animals, fungi, and most bacteria.
• What are the main types of autotrophs and their characteristics?

  • **Photoautotrophs**:
  • Use light energy to synthesize organic molecules.
  • Examples: plants, algae, photosynthetic bacteria.

  
  

  • **Chemoautotrophs**:
  • Use chemical energy to synthesize organic molecules.
  • Examples: certain bacteria that oxidize inorganic substances.
• What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

  It is involved in light harvesting
• What is photolysis in the context of photosynthesis?

  The splitting of water
• What is the significance of the Calvin cycle in photosynthesis?

  It is responsible for the reduction of carbon dioxide
• How do the processes of photolysis and the Calvin cycle relate to each other in photosynthesis?

  Photolysis provides the electrons and protons needed for the Calvin cycle to reduce carbon dioxide
• What are the main stages of photosynthesis?

  1. Light-dependent reactions:

  • Light harvesting by chlorophyll
  • Photolysis of water
  • Production of ATP and NADPH

  1. Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions):

  • Reduction of carbon dioxide
  • Synthesis of glucose and carbohydrates