photosynthesis involves two series of

reactions called chloroplasts. Chloro

Ind algae, both occur in organelles olastids, organelles that synthesize
and store
letic organisms. As shown below. a chloroplast
has two surrounding fluid.
es containing pigments, and stroma,
a
Joroplasts. Chloroplasts are a type of plastids,
organelles that food and other compounds in photosynthetic
organismi
parts: thylakoids, which are membrane-bound sacs containing pigments, ar

Interior of a
Chloroplast

Thylakoi
ds
Stroma

The reactions in the first series, the light-dependent reactions, take place in the thylakoids.
There a pigment called chlorophyll, which gives plants their green color, absorbs solar energy.
This energy is used to break the bonds of water molecules, releasing hydrogen, oxygen, and
electrons. Some of the solar energy is transferred to the electrons, which are used to produce
the energy-storing molecule ATP. The hydrogen becomes part of a second energy-storing
molecule, NADPH. Oxygen gas is released as a waste product.

The reactions in the second series are the light-independent reactions, or Calvin cycle.
ATP and NADPH provide the energy for these reactions, which take place in the
stroma. In these reactions, the hydrogen atoms stored in NADPH and carbon and
oxygen atoms from carbon dioxide are assembled into a new molecule. This
molecule is the simple sugar glucose, which stores chemical energy for the cell.
 en In the space below, draw simple diagrams that model
the paths of energy and materials in 10 photosynthesis. (You do not
need to use chemical formulas or equations.)

Light-dependent
Reactions
Light-independent
Reactions

83
s made by photosynthesis are reused to power the Calvin cycle and
Most glucose molecules made by photosynthe to make ATP. Other glucose
molecules are a used for energy, stored for later use, or conve
er organic molecules. For example, a

potato is an underground plant organ that sto

guard plant organ that stores energy. A potato contains glucose molecule connected in
chains to form the carbohydrate starch
to form the carbohydrate starch. Other simple sugars may be combined to form
cellulose. Cellulose supports the cell wal
Cellulose supports the cell walls of plant cells. Simple sugars produced inesis are
also used to build other organic molecules. These simple sugars are
bond with nitrogen, sulfur, and, described as carbon skeletons. For example,
simple sugars may phosphorus atoms to form amino acids, lipids or nucleic
acids.
Oroanir molecules are essential to life Recall that organic molecules are
defined by the promoc of carbon atoms. As you have learned, photosynthetic
organisms use carbon atoms from the atmosphere to
make organic
molecules. This process is called carbon fixation. "Carbon
Carbon-based life” is a term scientists use to describe the organisms living on Earth. On the
Internet or at the library, research the meaning of this term. Incorporate what
you find with what you have learned so far to argue persuasively that
life on Earth depends on photosynthesis. Remember that a
scientific argument must be supported by evidence.
84 . Chapter 2: Energy in Cells