SCIENCE 9

WEEK 7
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
AND RESPIRATION
 OBJECTIVES:
Describe the factors that affect the rate of
photosynthesis;
Illustrate through drawing the parts of organelles involved
in photosynthesis;
Appreciate the importance of the process of food making
by plants.
PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND RESPIRATION
 WHAT IS PHOTOSYNTHESIS?

PHOTOSYNTHESIS is the process by which plants and other

photoautotrophs generate carbohydrates and oxygen from carbon
dioxide, water, and light energy in chloroplasts.
Photosynthesis primarily takes place in the leaves and little or none
in stems depending on the presence of chlorophyll.
 WHAT IS RESPIRATION?

Cellular respiration can occur both aerobically (using

oxygen), or an-aerobically (without oxygen). During
aerobic cellular respiration, glucose reacts with oxygen,
forming ATP that can be used by the cell. Carbon dioxide
and water are created as byproducts.
 HOW DO
PHTOSYNTH
EIS AND
RESPIRATION
HAPPEN?
Four Steps of Photosynthesis:

1. The plant takes in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere through the

stomata on its leaves. It is worth noting that there are some
stomata on the stems as well.
2. Water gets into the plant mainly through the roots and finds its
way to the leaves, where photosynthesis occurs. Plant roots are
specially designed to draw water from the ground and transport
it to the plant leaves through the stem.
Four Steps of Photosynthesis:

3. Chlorophyll, the green coloring matter of the leaf, traps the

energy from sunlight as it shines on the leaf. It is worth noting
that it is chlorophyll that gives the leaf its green color.

4. The solar energy is used to break water down into hydrogen and
oxygen. Then hydrogen is combined with carbon dioxide to
make sugar, which is food for the plant. Oxygen is released as a
byproduct through the stomata.
The Factors that Affect the Rate of Photosynthesis:

1. LIGHT or INTENSITY OF LIGHT

Increased light intensity results in a higher rate of
photosynthesis. On the other hand, low light intensity
results in a lower rate of photosynthesis
The Factors that Affect the Rate of Photosynthesis:

2. CARBON DIOXIDE or CONCENTRATION OF CARBON

DIOXIDE
Higher concentration of carbon dioxide helps in increasing the
rate of photosynthesis.
The Factors that Affect the Rate of Photosynthesis:

3. WATER
As water is an important factor in photosynthesis, its deficiency
can lead to problems in the intake of carbon dioxide. The
scarcity of water leads to the refusal of stomata opening to
retain the amount of water they have stored inside.
The Factors that Affect the Rate of Photosynthesis:

4. POLLUTION
Industrial pollutants and other particulates may settle on the leaf
surface. This can block the pores of stomata which makes it
difficult to take in carbon dioxide
Why is Photosynthesis Important?

 Photosynthesisplays a crucial role in the removal of carbon

dioxide from the atmosphere and the production of the oxygen
we breathe.
 Photosynthetic products provide energy to all organisms to carry
out their life activities (all life is bottled sunshine)
Why is Photosynthesis Important?

 Coal, petroleum and natural gas are fossil fuels which have
been produced by the application of heat and compression on
the past plant and animal parts (all formed by photosynthesis) in
the deeper layers of the earth. These are extremely important
source of energy
Why is Photosynthesis Important?

 All useful plant products are derived from the process of

photosynthesis, e.g., timber, rubber, resins, drugs, oils, fibers,
etc.
 Productivityof agricultural crops depends upon the rate of
photosynthesis.