Photosynthesis - Notes

The ultimate source of energy on

Earth is the sun

Energy:
Energy for heterotrophs comes from
food. Originally, the energy in food
comes from the sun.

 Organisms that use light energy from the

sun to produce foodphoto-autotrophs
(auto = self)

Cell Energy:
Cells usable source of energy is
called ATP
ATP stands for adenosine
triphosphate
Adenine Ribos
e

3 Phosphate
groups

Photosynthesis:
Photosynthesis is the process by which
the energy of sunlight is converted
into the energy of glucose

 Photosynthesis occurs in the

chloroplasts of plants

 Light absorbing compound is a

pigmentpigments absorb some
wavelengths of light and reflect others
the color our eyes see is the color
that the pigment reflects

 Chlorophyll is the pigment inside the

chloroplast that absorbs light for
photosynthesis

As the chlorophyll in
leaves decays in the autumn,
the green color fades and is
replaced by the oranges and
reds of carotenoids.

Stomata
Stomata are openings on the
bottom of leaves for gas exchange
Carbon dioxide (CO2) enters the
leaves and oxygen (O2) exits the
leaves

Overview of Photosynthesis
pla
nts
tak
e in

pla
nts
abs
orb

pla
nts
pro
duc
e

 Photosynthesis is the
process of plants taking in
carbon dioxide and water
and using energy from the
sunlight to make oxygen
and glucose.

There are two reactions of

photosynthesis, light
reactions and the calvin
cycle (or dark
reactions).

Light Reactions
Occurs during the day because
it requires sunlight
Water is used (reactant) and
hydrogen and oxygen are
produced

Calvin Cycle (dark

reactions)
Occurs during day and night
because it doesnt require
light
Hydrogen and carbon
dioxide are used (reactants)
and glucose (formulaC6H12O6) is produced

Photosynthetic Reaction

Photosynthetic Equation

H2
O

Lig
ht

Reactan
ts
CO2

Light
Dependent
Reaction

Chloropl
ast

O2

NAD
P+
ADP +
P
ATP
NAD
PH

Produ
cts

Dark
Reactio
ns
Calvin
Cycle

C6H12O6
Glucose