Understanding Photosynthesis

Definition of photosynthesis

• A process where plants make food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide

• A method of respiration in animals

• A technique used by fungi to decompose organic matter

• A way for plants to absorb nutrients from the soil

Main site of photosynthesis in plants

• Chloroplast

• Mitochondria

• Nucleus

• Ribosome

Photosynthesis vs respiration: gas exchange

• Photosynthesis uses @@CO_2@@, releases @@O_2@@; respiration uses @@CO_2@@, releases @@O_2@@

• Photosynthesis uses @@O_2@@, releases @@CO_2@@; respiration uses @@CO_2@@, releases @@O_2@@

• Photosynthesis uses @@O_2@@, releases @@CO_2@@; respiration uses @@O_2@@, releases @@CO_2@@

• Photosynthesis uses @@CO_2@@, releases @@O_2@@; respiration uses @@O_2@@, releases @@O_2@@

Key pigment for photosynthesis

• Chlorophyll

• Carotene

• Xanthophyll

• Phycocyanin

Basic photosynthesis equation

• @@6CO_2 + 6H_2O + ext{light energy} ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2@@

• @@CO_2 + H_2O + ext{light energy} ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + O_2@@

• @@6CO_2 + 6H_2O ightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 + ext{light energy}@@

• @@C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 ightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + ext{light energy}@@

Photosynthesis vs respiration: chemical equations

• @@6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2@@ (Photosynthesis)

• @@C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O@@ (Respiration)

• @@6O_2 + C_6H_{12}O_6 \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6H_2O@@ (Incorrect Reaction 1)

• @@C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6H_2O \rightarrow 6CO_2 + 6O_2@@ (Incorrect Reaction 2)

Gas taken in during photosynthesis

• Oxygen (O2)

• Carbon dioxide (CO2)

• Nitrogen (N2)

• Hydrogen (H2)

Explain: How are photosynthesis and respiration connected?

• They are completely unrelated processes.

• Photosynthesis produces oxygen, while respiration consumes it.

• Both processes occur only in plants.

• The products of one are reactants of the other; they cycle energy and gases.

Analyze: What happens if plants stop photosynthesizing?

• Food chains collapse

• Increased oxygen levels

• More food production

• Decreased biodiversity

Reason why photosynthesis is vital for animals

• oxygen and food needed by animals

• carbon dioxide absorption

• energy production in animals

• water purification process