Photosynthesis

Mrs. Stokes
Agenda
1.What is Photosynthesis?
2.Understanding the Photosynthesis Equation
3.Parts of the Chloroplast
4.Chemical Energy (ATP & ADP)
5.The Two Reactions of Photosynthesis
6.Light Dependent Reaction
7.Light Independent Reaction
8.Summary: Quick Review
What is Photosynthesis?
 Photosynthesis is the chemical process that plants
go through to make their own food using sunlight.
Understanding the Photosynthesis Equation

Need: Making:
 Air (Carbon Dioxide)  Food
 Water  Oxygen
 Sunlight
Parts of the Chloroplast
ATP and ADP
•Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) = chemical energy
• FULL ENERGY (three phosphate groups)
•Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP)
• Looks almost like ATP, but only two phosphate
groups  HALF ENERGY
The Two Reactions of Photosynthesis

 Light Dependent Reactions (LDR) - happen in the thylakoid

membrane of the chloroplasts and occur in the presence of
sunlight. The sunlight is converted to chemical energy (ATP)
during these reactions.

 Light Independent Reactions (LIR) - use stored chemical

energy (ATP) from the light-dependent reactions to “fix” CO2 and
create a product that can be converted into glucose. The ultimate
goal of the light-independent reactions (or Calvin cycle) is to
assemble a molecule of glucose (C6H12O6).
Light Dependent Reaction
LDR - Electron Carrier Equations
•Sunlight excites electrons – hold energy
•Carrier needed to transport excited electron
• Carrier known as = electron transport chain
• Actual Transporter = NADP+
• Holds 2 high energy electrons
• Holds H+
Light Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)
Light Independent Reactions (Calvin
Cycle)
•Also known as the light independent reactions (or
dark reactions)
• No light required for them to start
•Occur in the stroma of the chloroplast
•Use products of LDR as their reactants :
NADPH, ATP
•Give the products NADP+, ADP, high energy
sugars
Quick Review

Reactants LDR LIR

Reactants ADP, NADP+, H20 ATP, NADPH, CO2

(what’s used)
Products Oxygen, ATP, Glucose, ADP,
(what’s used) NADPH NADP+
Location of Process Thylakoid Stroma
Membrane