Photosynthesis

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose, using carbon dioxide and water.

Front

What is the overall chemical equation for photosynthesis?

Back

6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Front

What enzyme is responsible for fixing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis?

Back

RuBisCo (Ribulose Bisphosphate Carboxylase) is the enzyme that fixes carbon from the atmosphere to convert it into glucose.

Front

Where do the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis occur?

Back

The light-independent reactions, also known as the Calvin cycle, take place in the stroma of the chloroplast.

Front

What is the stroma in a chloroplast?

Back

The stroma is the fluid-filled interior space of the chloroplast where the light-independent reactions occur.

Front

Where do the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis take place?

Back

The light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast.

Front

What are thylakoids?

Back

Thylakoids are membrane-bound structures within chloroplasts that contain chlorophyll and are the site of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.

Front

What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

Back

Chlorophyll is a pigment that absorbs light energy, primarily from the sun, which is essential for the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.

Front

What is ATP and its role in photosynthesis?

Back

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the energy currency of the cell, produced during the light-dependent reactions and used in the light-independent reactions to synthesize glucose.

Front

What is the significance of glucose in photosynthesis?

Back

Glucose is a simple sugar produced during photosynthesis that serves as an energy source for plants and is used to build other organic compounds.