Week 2 : Photosynthesis Summary

Photosynthesis is a complex biochemical process by which green plants and some other organisms
convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of organic compounds, such as glucose. The
process can be broken down into two stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-
independent reactions.

Photosynthesis Process

During the light-dependent reactions, light energy is absorbed by specialized pigment molecules,
primarily chlorophyll, and used to split water molecules into oxygen, protons (H+), and electrons (e-)

These electrons are then passed down an electron transport chain, releasing energy that is used to
pump protons across a membrane and create an electrochemical gradient. This gradient is then used
to power the synthesis of ATP, a high-energy molecule that can be used to drive other cellular
processes.

In the light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle, the ATP and protons produced in
the light-dependent reactions are used to power the fixation of carbon dioxide (CO2) into organic
molecules such as glucose. This process is catalyzed by the enzyme rubisco and involves a complex
series of reactions that require the input of energy in the form of ATP and NADPH, a molecule that
carries high-energy electrons.

Overall, photosynthesis is a complex process that requires the coordination of many different
molecules and biochemical pathways. By harnessing the energy of sunlight, green plants and other
photosynthetic organisms are able to produce the organic compounds that form the basis of life on
Earth.

Types or classification of photosinthesis

Photosynthesis can be classified into different types based on the mechanism by which carbon
dioxide is initially fixed into organic molecules. The three main types of photosynthesis are:

1. C3 Photosynthesis: This is the most common type of photosynthesis and occurs in the
majority of plants, including crops such as wheat, rice, and soybeans. In C3 photosynthesis,
the enzyme Rubisco fixes carbon dioxide into a 3-carbon molecule, which is then used to
build sugars and other organic compounds.

2. C4 Photosynthesis: This type of photosynthesis is found in plants that evolved in hot and dry
environments, such as tropical grasses and corn. In C4 photosynthesis, the initial fixation of
carbon dioxide occurs in mesophyll cells, where it is combined with a 3-carbon molecule to
form a 4-carbon molecule. This molecule is then transported to bundle sheath cells, where it
is decarboxylated to release carbon dioxide, which is then fixed by Rubisco. C4
photosynthesis is more efficient than C3 photosynthesis in hot and dry environments
because it reduces water loss and photorespiration.
 3. CAM Photosynthesis: This type of photosynthesis is found in succulent plants, such as cacti
and pineapple, that grow in hot and dry environments. CAM plants fix carbon dioxide at
night and store it as organic acids in vacuoles. During the day, the organic acids are broken
down to release carbon dioxide, which is then fixed by Rubisco in the same way as in C3
photosynthesis. CAM plants are very water-efficient, as they can keep their stomata closed
during the day to reduce water loss.

In summaries, the type of photosynthesis a plant uses depends on its evolutionary history and the
environment in which it lives.

Factors affecting photosynthesis

The process of photosynthesis is affected by a number of factors, including:

1. Light intensity: Light is an essential requirement for photosynthesis. As the light intensity
increases, the rate of photosynthesis also increases up to a certain point. After reaching the
maximum point, any further increase in light intensity does not have a significant effect on
the rate of photosynthesis.

2. Carbon dioxide concentration: Carbon dioxide is one of the essential raw materials required
for photosynthesis. As the concentration of carbon dioxide increases, the rate of
photosynthesis also increases up to a certain point. After reaching the maximum point, any
further increase in carbon dioxide concentration does not have a significant effect on the
rate of photosynthesis.

3. Temperature: The rate of photosynthesis is affected by the temperature. As the

temperature increases, the rate of photosynthesis also increases up to a certain point.
However, beyond a certain temperature, the rate of photosynthesis starts to decline. This is
because the enzymes involved in photosynthesis get denatured at higher temperatures.

4. Water availability: Water is another essential raw material required for photosynthesis. If
the plant does not receive enough water, the rate of photosynthesis decreases.

5. Chlorophyll content: Chlorophyll is the pigment that is responsible for capturing light energy
and converting it into chemical energy. If the chlorophyll content in the plant is low, the rate
of photosynthesis is also low.

6. Nutrient availability: Plants require various nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and
potassium to carry out the process of photosynthesis. If any of these nutrients are deficient,
the rate of photosynthesis will be affected.

In conclusion, the rate of photosynthesis is affected by multiple factors, and any change in these
factors can have a significant impact on the rate of photosynthesis.