Photosynthesis

7.1 Photosynthesis

What are the conditions that are essential

for photosynthesis?
• Sunlight
• Chlorophyll
• Carbon dioxide
• Suitable temperature
• Water
7.1 Photosynthesis

What is photosynthesis?
• Photosynthesis is a process in which light energy is absorbed by
chlorophyll and converted into chemical energy.

• It requires inorganic molecules such as carbon dioxide and

water for the synthesis of organic molecules such as glucose.
7.2 Leaf Structure and Function

External features of a leaf

The lamina or leaf blade
has a large surface area to
maximise absorption of
sunlight.

It allows rapid diffusion of

carbon dioxide to reach
the inner cells of the leaf.

The petiole positions the

lamina for maximum
absorption of sunlight and
gaseous exchange.
stem
7.2 Leaf Structure and Function

Veins allow transport of

water and mineral salts to
the cells in the lamina.

They also transport branch vein

manufactured food from the branch of
leaves to other parts of the mid-rib
plant.
mid-rib
7.2 Leaf Structure and Function

Leaves are usually

arranged in a regular
pattern around the stem.

This is to ensure that

leaves are not blocking
one another from sunlight
and that each leaf
receives optimum amount
of light.

paired arrangement alternate arrangement

Internal Structure of the Leaf
7.2 Leaf Structure and Function

Internal structure of a leaf

Cuticle
Waxy layer above the epidermis which
prevents excessive water loss. It is
transparent to allow sunlight to
penetrate to the mesophyll.

Upper epidermis
Single layer of closely packed cells.

Palisade mesophyll
A few layers of closely packed cells
which are long, cylindrical and contain
numerous chloroplasts for maximum
absorption of light.
7.2 Leaf Structure and Function

Spongy mesophyll
Irregularly shaped cells with numerous
large intercellular air spaces. This
allows for rapid diffusion of gases inside
the leaf.

Vascular bundle
Contains xylem and phloem, allowing
for the transport of water and food
materials respectively within the plant.

Lower epidermis
Single layer of closely packed cells.
Many minute openings called stomata
are found here.
Structure of Chloroplast
Structure of Chloroplast
• Like mitochondria, chloroplasts are surrounded by two
membranes. The outer membrane is permeable to small
organic molecules, whereas the inner membrane is less
permeable and studded with transport proteins.
• The innermost matrix of chloroplasts, called the stroma,
contains metabolic enzymes and multiple copies of the
chloroplast genome.
• Chloroplasts also have a third internal membrane called the
thylakoid membrane, which is extensively folded and appears
as stacks of flattened disks in electron micrographs. The
thylakoids contain the light-harvesting complex, including
pigments such as chlorophyll.