Photosynthesis

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What is photosynthesis?

Back

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

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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 from the blue and red wavelengths, and reflects green light, which is why plants appear green.

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What are the main products of photosynthesis?

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The main products of photosynthesis are glucose and oxygen.

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What is the light reaction in photosynthesis?

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The light reaction is the first stage of photosynthesis that converts light energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH, occurring in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.

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What is the Calvin Cycle?

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The Calvin Cycle is the second stage of photosynthesis that takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts, where carbon dioxide is fixed into glucose using ATP and NADPH produced in the light reactions.

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What is the significance of water (H2O) in photosynthesis?

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Water is essential for photosynthesis as it provides electrons and protons for the light reactions and is split to release oxygen as a byproduct.

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What is the role of carbon dioxide (CO2) in photosynthesis?

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Carbon dioxide is a raw material used in the Calvin Cycle to produce glucose.

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What is the equation for photosynthesis?

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The overall equation for photosynthesis is: 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2.

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What is the difference between light-dependent and light-independent reactions?

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Light-dependent reactions require light to produce ATP and NADPH, while light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle) do not require light and use ATP and NADPH to synthesize glucose.

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What is ATP and why is it important in photosynthesis?

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ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell, providing the energy needed for various biochemical reactions, including those in the Calvin Cycle.