Photosynthesis

Autotrophic Organisms

• Autotrophic organisms can make their own food.

• Most autotrophs do this by converting the sun’s energy into Chemical energy

• This mostly occurs in the Chloroplasts of the cells of the organism.

Chloroplast

• Has a double membrane

• Stroma: empty space inside a chloroplast

• Granum: stacked structures where some reactions take place.

Chlorophyll

• Chlorophyll is the pigment inside a chloroplast that makes it green

• It is also responsible for the conversion of light energy into chemical energy.

• There are different types of chlorophyll, and other pigments responsible for photosynthesis.

Steps in Photosynthesis

1st – Light Reactions

2nd – Dark Reactions

Light Reactions

• Occur in the grana• This is where the light energy is used to

split water and release Oxygen

Dark reactions

• Energy from the breakdown of water is used to make Glucose in a Calvin Cycle

How does a plant take in resources?

• Water is pulled in through the roots

• Carbon dioxide can enter through holes in the underside of leaves called Stomates

Stomate

Equation for Photosynthesis

• H2O + CO2 C6H1206 + O2

• How does this relate to Respiration?