Science Module: Photosynthesis
🔍 Overview
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into
chemical energy. This process is essential for life on Earth, as it provides the primary source of energy for
nearly all organisms and releases oxygen into the atmosphere.
📚 Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, students should be able to:
Describe the process of photosynthesis.
Identify the reactants and products of photosynthesis.
Understand the role of chlorophyll and chloroplasts.
Explain the significance of photosynthesis in the carbon and oxygen cycles.
🔬 Key Concepts
1. Definition of Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process through which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create
glucose (a type of sugar) and oxygen.
2. Photosynthesis Equation
6CO2+6H2O+light energy→C6H12O6+6O2\text{6CO}_2 + \text{6H}_2\text{O} + \text{light energy} \
rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_{12}\text{O}_6 + \text{6O}_26CO2+6H2O+light energy→C6H12O6+6O2
Reactants: Carbon dioxide, water, light
Products: Glucose, oxygen
3. Where It Happens
Chloroplasts in plant cells contain a green pigment called chlorophyll, which captures light
energy.
These are primarily found in the leaves.
4. Two Stages of Photosynthesis
Light-dependent reactions: Take place in the thylakoid membranes, require sunlight, and
produce oxygen and energy-rich compounds (ATP, NADPH).
Light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle): Take place in the stroma, use ATP and NADPH to
synthesize glucose from CO₂.
🌎 Why It Matters
Oxygen Production: Essential for respiration in most living organisms.
Carbon Dioxide Absorption: Helps regulate Earth's climate.
Energy Source: Forms the base of the food chain; plants produce glucose that is consumed by
herbivores and so on up the chain.
🧠 Quick Facts
Chlorophyll reflects green light, which is why plants look green.
Only about 1% of the sun’s energy that hits a leaf is used in photosynthesis.
Cyanobacteria were the first organisms to use oxygenic photosynthesis.
📓 Activity Suggestion
Experiment: Place a fresh leaf in boiling water (to kill it), then in alcohol (to remove chlorophyll), and
finally in iodine. The iodine stains starch blue-black, indicating photosynthesis occurred.
📝 Quiz Questions
1. What are the raw materials needed for photosynthesis?
2. What are the end products of photosynthesis?
3. Where in the plant cell does photosynthesis occur?
4. What role does chlorophyll play?
5. Why is photosynthesis crucial to life on Earth?
