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 are the main products of photosynthesis?

Back

The main products of photosynthesis are glucose and oxygen.

Front

What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

Back

Chlorophyll is the pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy, primarily from the blue and red wavelengths, to drive the photosynthesis process.

Front

Where do the light reactions of photosynthesis occur?

Back

The light reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts.

Front

What are the two main products of the light reactions?

Back

The two main products of the light reactions are ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate).

Front

What is the Calvin cycle?

Back

The Calvin cycle is the set of chemical reactions that take place in the stroma of chloroplasts during photosynthesis, where carbon dioxide is converted into glucose using ATP and NADPH.

Front

Which color of light is least absorbed by chlorophyll?

Back

Green light is least absorbed by chlorophyll; instead, it is reflected, which is why plants appear green.

Front

What is the significance of ATP in photosynthesis?

Back

ATP provides the energy required for various biochemical reactions in the Calvin cycle, including the conversion of carbon dioxide into glucose.

Front

What is NADPH and its role in photosynthesis?

Back

NADPH is an electron carrier that provides the reducing power needed for the Calvin cycle to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.

Front

What is the difference between light reactions and the Calvin cycle?

Back

Light reactions convert light energy into chemical energy (ATP and NADPH), while the Calvin cycle uses that chemical energy to synthesize glucose from carbon dioxide.