In the light stage, light energy is used to split the water molecules into

hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Oxygen atoms combine to form oxygen

molecules which are given off as a waste product. The hydrogen atoms
are used in the dark stage

In the dark stage, no light energy is required. The hydrogen atoms

from the light stage are used to reduce the carbon dioxide forming
glucose, the plant’s food.

Leaves are filled with chloroplasts which are filled with green
chlorophyll which absorb light energy.

Leaves have a broad lamina and a large surface area to maximize the
sunlight it can absorb

Leaves have a thin lamina to improve the efficiency of gas diffusing in

and out

The lamina lies at 90 degrees to max

Photosynthesis – the process by which green plants make

carbohydrates with carbon dioxide and water by using light energy
absorbed by chlorophyll.
Nitrogen Cycle

Nitrogen fixation – nitrogen fixing bacteria convert nitrogen gas in the

air to nitrates which is then used to make plant proteins. E.g. Rhizobia

Death and decay – bacteria and fungi convert plant protein from dead
plants and animals into ammonium compounds. E.g. fungi

Pyramid of energy is always upright and vertical since energy is lost at

each trophic level

Upright pyramid of numbers is for aquatic and grassland ecosystem

Partly upright pyramid of numbers is for forest ecosystems

Inverted pyramid of numbers is for parasitic food chains

Upright pyramid of biomass is forest ecosystems

Inverted pyramid of biomass is for aquatic ecosystems

Trophic level - a step or stage in the food chain/web. If an organism

occupies a trophic level, that level is the level of energy transfer it is
in