Photosynthesis
Plants depend on photosynthesis to derive their energy sources. Through
evolution, plant cells have acquired chlorophylls to help carry out the
photosynthetic reaction.
Photosynthesis is carried out in two steps, first in two light-dependent
photosytems and then in a carbon fixation cycle (Calvin Cycle). Through this
process, the plant is able to convert sunlight, water, and CO2 into glucose
and ATP. As a byproduct of this
process, O2 is released. The plant's ability to convert water and CO2
into glucose and O2 also provides great benefit for animal
species that depend on glucose for energy. The photosynthetic reaction can be
summarized as follows:
6CO2 + 12H2O + sunlight -> C6H12O6 + 6H2O +
6O2
Choose from the options below to find out the steps involved in
photosynthesis.
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Step 1:
Photosystems
Photosynthesis depend on light to produce
glucose. In the photosystems, ATP is produced that will help to turn CO2into glucose. |
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Step 2:
Calvin Cycle
The Calvin Cycle, a process that occurs
without light, is the process that "fixes" the carbon molecules
from CO2 into glucose.
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