16. Photosynthesis

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What is photosynthesis?

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Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose, using carbon dioxide and water.

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What are the main products of photosynthesis?

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The main products of photosynthesis are glucose (a sugar) and oxygen.

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What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

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Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in plants that absorbs light energy, primarily in the red and blue wavelengths, which is essential for the process of photosynthesis.

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Where does photosynthesis occur in plants?

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Photosynthesis occurs primarily in the leaves of plants, specifically in the chloroplasts.

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What are thylakoids?

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Thylakoids are membrane-bound structures within chloroplasts that contain chlorophyll and are the site of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.

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What is a granum?

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A granum is a stack of thylakoids within a chloroplast, where the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis take place.

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What are the light-dependent reactions?

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Light-dependent reactions are the first stage of photosynthesis that convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH, occurring in the thylakoids.

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What are the light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle)?

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The light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin Cycle, use ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.

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What factors can affect the rate of photosynthesis?

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Factors that can affect the rate of photosynthesis include light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and water availability.

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How does carbon dioxide enter the plant?

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Carbon dioxide enters the plant through small openings called stomata, located on the underside of leaves.