Chapter 8 PHOTOSYNTHESIS

PHOTOSYNTHESIS is the only miracle in the world, incredible

phenomenon
Thanks to the nature we all feed on the help of sun.
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 Photosynthesis
is the process whereby plants, algae, some bacteria,
use the energy of the sun to synthesize organic compounds (sugars)
from inorganic compounds (CO2 and water).
Anabolic, endergonic, CO2 requiring process
Use light (E) & H2O to produce organic molecules (glucose)

Chlorophyll
6CO2 + 12H2O  C6H12O6 + 6O2
light energy

Where do that 6O2 comes from? discuss

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Organisms can be grouped in to four nutritional types based on
energy & carbon sources
1. Photoautotroph (light & CO2)
e.g. All algae, some bacteria, all plants
2.Photoheterotroph(light & organic carbon)
e.g. Some sulfur bacteria
3. Chemoautotroph(inorganic chemical & CO2)
e.g. Some bacteria
4. Chemohetrotroph (organic chemical & organic carbon)
e.g. All animals, most bacteria, all fungi and protozoa
Where does photosynthesis take place?

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Photosynthesis of eukaryotes (plants & algae)
Plants and algae are autotrophs
produce their own food (glucose) by photosynthesis plants
photosynthesis mainly occurs in leaf.

Photosynthesis and the Structure of a Plant

Leaf
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Stomata (stoma)
-Pores in a plant’s cuticle through which water vapor and gases (CO2
& O2) are exchanged between the plant and the atmosphere.
-Found on the underside of leaves
• hole in a plant leaf which allows gases to enter and leave and
water vapor to leave.
• Guard Cells – open and close the stomate
• Has a colorless waxy covering called the cuticle
• Protects the leaf from water loss and insects
1.What is the function of cuticle?
2.Why are plants green?
3.What is chlorophyll?
4.Light depended reaction takes place from where?
5.What are the raw materials of photosynthesis
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Reading assignment
Write short answer for the following questions
1. Differentiate the two parts (stages) of photosynthesis
A. Light reaction and
B. Dark reaction
2. What are C3 plants, give examples
3. What are C4 plants, give examples