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PHOTOSYNTHESIS

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15 views5 pages

PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Uploaded by

Zerica John
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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PHOTOSYNTHESIS & ATP SYNTHESIS - PART 1

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this document, students should be able to:
1. Describe the role of leaves in photosynthesis, relate their structure to
function, and create annotated diagrams of a transverse leaf section.
2. Explain the role of palisade cells and chloroplasts in photosynthesis
and produce annotated diagrams of each.
3. Summarize the process of photosynthesis, including reactants, products,
and stages.
4. Detail the light-dependent stage, including cyclic and non-cyclic
photophosphorylation.

Photosynthesis Overview
 Definition: Photosynthesis is the process where autotrophs (producers)
convert inorganic molecules into organic substances like carbohydrates,
storing energy in ATP.
 Equation: 6CO2+6H2O→C6H12O6+6O26CO_2 + 6H_2O → C_6H_{12}O_6 +
6O_26CO2+6H2O→C6H12O6+6O2
 Process: Captures sunlight to store energy in glucose.

Leaf Structure and Function


 Role of Leaves: Main organ for photosynthesis, enabling:
o Light absorption.

o Carbon dioxide intake.

o Water and ion transport.

o Sugar export.

Anatomy of a Leaf
1. Cuticle: Waxy, waterproof layer secreted by the upper epidermis.
2. Upper Epidermis: Thin, transparent, and protective; allows light passage
and prevents pathogen invasion.
3. Palisade Mesophyll:
o Main site of photosynthesis.

o Columnar cells packed with chloroplasts.

o Adaptations: Thin peripheral cytoplasm, movable chloroplasts for


optimal light absorption, thin walls for gas exchange.

4. Spongy Mesophyll:
o Loosely packed cells, large air spaces for gas diffusion.

o Fewer chloroplasts; photosynthesis at high light intensity.

5. Vascular Bundle:
o Xylem transports water/minerals; phloem transports sugars/amino
acids (translocation).
6. Lower Epidermis: Contains stomata for gas exchange and regulates water
loss.
7. Stomata: Openings controlled by guard cells, facilitating CO₂ intake and O₂
release.
Chloroplast Structure & Function
 Location: Site of photosynthesis, containing pigments like chlorophyll.
 Membrane Envelope: Double membrane with an inner, semi-permeable
membrane regulating passage.
 Thylakoid System (Grana):
o Stacked thylakoids (grana) with pigments and enzymes for light-
dependent reactions.
o Membranes create a large surface area for reactions.

 Stroma:
o Protein-rich fluid, where the light-independent reactions occur.

o Contains enzymes, DNA, ribosomes, and starch grains.

Photosynthetic Pigments
 Pigments in Thylakoids: Absorb specific wavelengths of light.
o Chlorophyll A: Primary pigment, absorbs blue-violet and red light,
reflecting green.
o Chlorophyll B: Accessory pigment, absorbs blue and red light, passes
energy to chlorophyll A.
o Carotenoids: Accessory pigments (yellow, orange, red); absorb blue-
violet light, protect chlorophyll.
Light Energy
 Electromagnetic Spectrum: Sunlight (visible light) is kinetic energy
traveling in waves. Wavelengths determine light properties, with photons
being the smallest energy unit.
 Visible Light: Chloroplasts absorb blue and red light, reflecting green (400-
700 nm).

Photosystems & Reactions


 Photosystems: Pigment complexes in the thylakoid membrane.
o PSII (P680): Best absorbs light at 680 nm.

o PSI (P700): Best absorbs light at 700 nm.

o Pigments capture light energy, funnel it to chlorophyll a at the reaction


center, where light reactions occur.

Stages of Photosynthesis
1. Light-Dependent Reactions:
o Occur in thylakoid membranes.

o Convert light energy into ATP and NADPH.

2. Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle):


o Occur in the stroma.

o Use ATP and NADPH to produce glucose.

Light-Dependent Reactions
 Photophosphorylation:
o ATP synthesis driven by light energy.

o Electron transport chain (ETC) moves high-energy electrons


through protein carriers, creating a proton gradient used for ATP
production.
Cyclic Photophosphorylation (PSI Only)
 Produces ATP only.
1. Excitation: P700 absorbs light, exciting electrons.
2. Photoionization: Electrons leave PSI, oxidizing it.
3. Electron Transport & ATP Formation: Electrons move through the ETC,
powering ATP production.
4. Electron Recycling: Electrons return to PSI, completing the cycle.

Non-Cyclic Photophosphorylation (PSI & PSII)


 Produces ATP, NADPH, and O₂.
1. Excitation: PSII absorbs light, exciting electrons.
2. Photolysis: Water splits into oxygen, protons, and electrons.
3. Electron Transport: Electrons pass through the ETC from PSII to PSI,
creating ATP.

4. NADPH Formation: Electrons from PSI reduce NADP⁺ to NADPH.

Absorption & Action Spectra


 Different pigments absorb varying wavelengths, maximizing light absorption
across the spectrum.
 Chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b show peak absorption at 430 nm, 453 nm
(blue), and 630-642 nm (red), while carotenoids absorb around 450-470 nm
(blue-violet).

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