Process of Photosynthesis
by Dave Marshall on May 17th
Photosynthesis is a process used by plants and some types of bacteria to manufacture food. The process makes glucose, a form of sugar and oxygen from carbon dioxide from air and water. Cells of plants use it to create energy to sustain themselves.
Photosynthesis consists of two primary reactions – light dependent reactions and light independent reactions. Light dependent reactions require light, while light-independent reactions do not need light.
Light dependent reactions:
Cells use light energy from the sun to split water, a process called photolysis. Plants suck in this energy through transpiration. The sunlight hits chloroplasts within the lant, which causes an enzyme to break apart the molecules of the water. When the water is broken, it makes oxygen, hydrogen and electrons.
The hydrogen then converts to NADPH that is then used in the light independent reactions.
Oxygen is transmitted out of the plant as a byproduct of the photosynthesis process. This is why plants are essential to the continued production of oxygen, which is essential for human and animal ife.
Light independent reactions:
Sugars are built up using carbon dioxide and the products of the light dependent reactions. Carbon dioxide diffuses into the plant and together with chemicals that exist in the stoma of the plant, produces glucose. The glucose is then ultimately transferred around the plant by a process called anslocation.
The primary factors that affect photosynthesis are light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and temperature. The stronger the light shining on the plant, the more effective and quick the process of photosynthesis. The more carbon dioxide present around the plant, the more effective the process of glucose generation. The temperature must also be not too high or too low, as either of these will stop the key enzymes required in the photosynthesis process. The finished product can look something like this!
Tags: Photosynthesis, carbon dioxide, oxygen, stoma, anslocation, enzymes, hydrogen, electrons
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