Bio1102

Tutorial 8

Photosynthesis

What is it?

Photosynthesis is the process by which water reacts with carbon dioxide to produce glucose and

oxygen.

How does it occur?

This process occurs in 2 stages: light and dark.

In the light stage, this is where the chlorophyll found in the chloroplast captures sunlight and

splits the water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

In the dark stage, the hydrogen molecules combine with carbon dioxide molecules to produce

glucose, and oxygen is released.

Importance

Photosynthesis provides energy for most ecosystems and it is responsible for the production of

oxygen for all living organisms.

Respiration

This is the process by which plants use oxygen to break down glucose to produce energy in the

form of ATP.

Process

When plants produce glucose from photosynthesis, the glucose travels through the phloem

vessels to different parts of the plant. When the various parts require energy, the plant uses

oxygen to break down the glucose, which then releases carbon dioxide and water which is stored

as energy in the form of ATP.

Note

The rate of photosynthesis is equal to the rate of respiration.

Importance

Respiration in plants is important because it produces the energy that is needed for the plants to

stay active and alive.

There are 2 types of respiration: aerobic and anaerobic

Plants respire aerobically in the mitochondria.

Transpiration

This is the process by which plants lose water through their leaves or other aerial parts of the

plant through evaporation.

Process

1. Water is absorbed by the roots

2. Water travels up the plant through the xylem vessels

3. Water vapor is lost through the pores of leaves

What can affect transpiration?

Light- the absence of light will cause the stomata to close, therefore decreasing the rate of

transpiration

Water availability- the amount of water absorbed by the roots of the plant is inversely

proportional to the rate of transpiration

Leaf surface area- a larger surface area will be equal to an increase in transpiration.

Importance of transpiration

This process helps to get rid of excess water, therefore maintaining a balance of water within the

plants
Through transpiration, water and other minerals are transported throughout the plant.

It helps to keep the plant cool- when water vapor exits the stomata, heat is removed from the air,

hence creating a cooling effect.

Biochemical cycles refer to pathways or sequences of chemical reactions that occur repeatedly and are

essential for the flow and recycling of substances within biological systems. These cycles are

fundamental to sustaining life, regulating the environment, and maintaining the balance of elements

and compounds. Here are some key biochemical cycles:

Major Biochemical Cycles:

1. The Carbon Cycle:

 Involves the movement of carbon through the biosphere.

 Includes processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and

combustion.

 Carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms.

2. The Nitrogen Cycle:

 Focuses on the circulation and transformation of nitrogen in various forms

(nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, nitrogen gas, etc.).

 Includes processes like nitrogen fixation, nitrification, assimilation,

ammonification, and denitrification.

 Crucial for the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids in living organisms.
 3. The Water Cycle (Hydrological Cycle):

 Involves the continuous movement of water between the Earth's surface,

atmosphere, and back again.

 Includes processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff, and

transpiration.

 Essential for maintaining water availability for living organisms and ecosystems.

4. The Phosphorus Cycle:

 Focuses on the movement of phosphorus through the lithosphere, hydrosphere,

and biosphere.

 Involves geological processes, weathering of rocks, sedimentation, and biological

processes in which phosphorus is used in the formation of DNA, RNA, and ATP.

5. The Sulfur Cycle:

 Concerned with the movement of sulfur in various forms (sulfate, sulfide,

elemental sulfur) within ecosystems.

 Includes processes like weathering of rocks, volcanic emissions, bacterial

reduction, and assimilation by plants and microorganisms.

 Sulfur is an essential element in amino acids, vitamins, and other biomolecules.

Key Aspects and Importance:

 Biogeochemical Cycling: Biochemical cycles involve interactions between biological,

geological, and chemical processes, illustrating the interconnectedness of Earth's systems.

  Nutrient Recycling: These cycles ensure the recycling and availability of essential

elements (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.) necessary for the growth and survival of

organisms.

 Environmental Balance: The cycles help regulate the composition of the atmosphere,

soil, and water bodies, maintaining ecological balance and sustainability.

 Human Impact: Human activities, such as deforestation, industrialization, and

agriculture, can disrupt these cycles, leading to environmental issues like pollution,

nutrient imbalances, and climate change.

Complexity and Interconnectedness:

Biochemical cycles are interconnected and interdependent. For instance, the carbon cycle

influences the availability of carbon, which, in turn, affects other cycles like the nitrogen cycle

by influencing microbial activity. Any disruption or imbalance in one cycle can have cascading

effects on others and the overall ecosystem.

Understanding these cycles is crucial for environmental scientists, ecologists, biologists, and

policymakers to manage and conserve ecosystems, address environmental challenges, and

maintain a sustainable planet.