Photosynthesis Basics

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize food from carbon dioxide and water. It produces oxygen as a byproduct.

Front

What is the main purpose of photosynthesis?

Back

The main purpose of photosynthesis is to convert solar energy into chemical energy stored in glucose, which organisms use for fuel.

Front

In which part of the plant does photosynthesis primarily occur?

Back

Photosynthesis primarily occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, especially in the leaves.

Front

What are the two main stages of photosynthesis?

Back

The two main stages of photosynthesis are the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle (also known as the light-independent reactions or dark reactions).

Front

What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

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Chlorophyll is a pigment that absorbs light energy, primarily from the sun, which drives the photosynthesis process.

Front

What are the inputs and outputs of the light-dependent reactions?

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Inputs: Light energy and water (H₂O); Outputs: Oxygen (O₂), ATP, and NADPH.

Front

What happens in the Calvin cycle?

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In the Calvin cycle, ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions are used to convert carbon dioxide (CO₂) into glucose.

Front

What gas is used as a reactant in photosynthesis, and what gas is produced?

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Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is used as a reactant, and oxygen (O₂) is produced as a byproduct.

Front

How does photosynthesis benefit other organisms besides plants?

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Photosynthesis produces oxygen, which is essential for aerobic respiration in most living organisms, and it provides the foundation of the food chain by creating energy-rich compounds like glucose.

Front

What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis?

Back

The chemical equation for photosynthesis is: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. This means that six molecules of carbon dioxide and six molecules of water produce one molecule of glucose and six molecules of oxygen.