Chapter 22 Photosynthesis
The concept of photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is an anabolic process in which complex organic molecules are synthesized from simple
inorganic molecules using light energy. Oxygen is released as a by-product.
The requirements for photosynthesis
Light – source of energy the drives the reactions of photosynthesis. Light energy is converted to chemical
energy.
Chlorophyll – photosynthetic pigment which absorbs light energy. Chloroplasts contain enzymes that
catalyse all the reactions involved in photosynthesis.
Carbon dioxide – raw material for photosynthesis. Obtain from the atmosphere through stomata on the
leaf surfaces.
Carbon dioxide diffuses into the air spaces between the mesophyll cells and finally reaches the
chloroplasts.
Water – raw material for photosynthesis. Absorb from the soil by the roots. Water is transported up the
plants through the xylem and moves to the photosynthetic cells by osmosis.
The significance of photosynthesis
1. Provide basic food source for most organisms, including animals and fungi.
2. Maintain the energy flow in the ecosystem.
3. Maintain the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
The site of photosynthesis
Structural adaptations of leaves for photosynthesis
Leaf blade/
External structure of a leaf
easily and quickly
Internal structure of a leaf
Adaptations of chloroplasts for photosynthesis
Chloroplasts are the sites for photosynthesis.
Mesophyll cells contain a large number of chloroplasts which allow the leaf to trap the maximum amount of sunlight.
The density of chloroplasts in palisade mesophyll cells is higher than that of the spongy mesophyll cells.
The process of photosynthesis
A. Photochemical reactions (light-dependent stage or light reaction)
Photochemical reactions take place only in the presence of light on the thylakoid membranes of a
chloroplast.
They involve three main steps:
a) absorption of light energy
b) photolysis of water
c) generation of ATP
The energy released is
used to make ATP by
adding a phosphate to
ADP.
(photophosphorylation)
Electrons in the chlorophyll The electrons
molecules become excited The excited electrons combine with
and emitted from the pass along a series of hydrogen ions (H+) to
chlorophyll. electron carriers reduce NADP to
(Electron Transport NADPH.
Chain) releasing
energy in a step-wise
manner.
Chlorophyll captures
light energy.
The hydrogen ions come from
photolysis of water. Electrons
released from the water molecule
are channeled back to the
chlorophyll molecule. Oxygen is
released as a gas.
B. Carbon fixation: Calvin Cycle
It is called the dark reactions because it does not require light.
It takes place in the stroma of the chloroplast.
CO2 combines with a 5-C carbon dioxide
acceptor to form 2 molecules of 3-C
compound.
A summary of the process of photosynthesis
ATP and NADPH produced in photochemical reactions are used in the Calvin Cycle.
ADP and NADP produced in the Calvin cycle are used in photochemical reactions.
The conversion of photosynthetic products Transported to active growing
regions and storage organs.
Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis
Rate of reaction is limited by the concentration of CO2
supplied.
Experiments on photosynthesis
Destarching a plant ensures that any starch detected a the end of the experiment is formed during the
experiment.
There is no simple experiment to study the requirement of water in photosynthesis.
Supplementary materials on the leaf as an efficient organ for photosynthesis (Understanding AL Biology)
Leaves are efficient in doing the following functions:
Q&A
Q: Compare the stomatal density of the upper and lower epidermis of the leaf. Explain the significance of this pattern of
stomatal distribution to the plant when it is under direct sunlight.
A:
Q: Describe the roles of ATP and NADPH in the conversion of the 3-C compound to triose phosphate in Calvin cycle.
A:
GP = 3-C compound in Calvin cycle
Q: If all the triose phosphate is channelled to form glucose, what will be the effect on the Calvin cycle? Why?
A:
RuBP = 5-C carbon dioxide acceptor
Q: Explain how the arrangement of the cells in palisade mesophyll facilitates photosynthesis.
A:
B = palisade mesophyll
