Photosynthesis

Definition

Photosynthesis is a process used by green plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. This involves the transformation of carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose using sunlight.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Photosynthesis occurs mainly in the chloroplasts of plant cells, which contain the pigment chlorophyll.
2. The general chemical equation for photosynthesis is: $6CO_2 + 6H_2O + light \ energy \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$.
3. During photosynthesis, oxygen is produced as a byproduct and released into the atmosphere.
4. Light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis take place in the thylakoid membranes and generate ATP and NADPH.
5. The Calvin cycle, or light-independent reactions, occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts and uses ATP and NADPH to synthesize glucose.

Review Questions

• What are the primary inputs and outputs of photosynthesis?
• Where in plant cells does photosynthesis primarily occur?
• What role does chlorophyll play in photosynthesis?

Related terms

Chlorophyll:

A green pigment found in the chloroplasts of plants that absorbs light energy used to drive photosynthesis.

Calvin Cycle: A set of light-independent redox reactions that occur in the stroma of chloroplasts during photosynthesis, producing glucose from carbon dioxide and water.

Thylakoid Membranes: Membrane-bound compartments inside chloroplasts where light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis take place.