Introduction to Photosynthesis – Study Summary
Subject
Biology
Topic
Photosynthesis
Type
Summary Notes
Photosynthesis – Overview
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, carbon dioxide,
Photosynthesis Equation
6CO■ + 6H■O + light energy → C■H■■O■ + 6O■
Reactants
- Carbon dioxide (CO■)
- Water (H■O)
- Light energy (usually from the sun)
Products
- Glucose (C■H■■O■)
- Oxygen (O■)
Stages of Photosynthesis
1. Light-dependent reactions (in the thylakoid membranes):
- Require sunlight
- Water is split (photolysis), releasing oxygen
- ATP and NADPH are produced
2. Calvin Cycle / Light-independent reactions (in the stroma):
- Use ATP and NADPH from the light-dependent stage
- Convert CO■ into glucose
Why Photosynthesis is Important
- Produces oxygen needed for respiration
- Forms the base of the food chain
- Helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
Fun Fact
Only about 1% of the sunlight that hits a plant is used for photosynthesis, but it’s enough to support nearly all life on