Photosynthesis
Mrs. Alexander- Noreiga
Date- 25th October, 2021
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants produce their own food.
All living organisms depend either directly or indirectly on green plants for their food. This
food is passed on from one living organism to the next through food chains.
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants convert carbon dioxide and water
into glucose by using energy from sunlight absorbed by chlorophyll in chloroplasts.
Video
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis
Where does photosynthesis occur?
Any plant structure that contains chlorophyll,
mainly leaves. More specifically the chloroplast.
How does photosynthesis occur?
Chlorophyll molecules in the chloroplast
of leaf cells absorb the energy from the
sunlight and use it to convert carbon
dioxide, absorbed from the air, and
water, absorbed from the soil, into the
glucose and oxygen.
Sunlight
Glucose
Carbon Dioxide
Oxygen
Water
The chlorophyll molecules in the chloroplast absorb energy from the
sun and uses it to convert carbon dioxide and water in glucose and
oxygen
Light Dependent and Light Independent Reactions
Light Dependent Reactions
Chloroplasts contain a green pigment chlorophyll which traps the light energy from
the sun. The energy is used to split water (H20) into hydrogen and oxygen. The
oxygen is a waste product and diffuses out of the leaf.
Light Independent Reactions
The hydrogen then combines with carbon dioxide (CO2) to make glucose (C6H12)6).
This stage of photosynthesis does not need light and can happen when its dark.
Diagram the cross section of the Leaf
Guard Cells
• A stoma is surrounded by a pair of specialised epidermal
cells called guard cells.
• The stoma is where water is lost from the plant during
transpiration and also where gaseous exchange for
photosynthesis occurs.
• Stomatal opening is controlled by the changes in turgidity
of the guard cells.
Diagram of the Leaf
Apex
Lamina
Structure and Function of the parts of the leaf
• Lamina- Broad part of the leaf
• Petiole- leaf stalk, joins the leaf to the rest of the plant
• Veins- has tubes which carry substances to and form the
leaf
• Apex- tip of the leaf
• Midrib- large strengthen vein along the middle of the leaf
• Margin- edge of the leaf
• Axil- the angle between the upper side of the stem and a
leaf.
Adaptations of the Leaf
Leaves are adapted to carry out photosynthesis in a number of ways.
• Broad and flat with large surface area to absorb light and carbon dioxide
• They lie at 90 degrees to the sunlight and are spaced around the stem to
catch as much light as possible
• The leaves are thin to allow light and carbon dioxide to reach all cells rapidly
• Stomata (small holes) are present in the lower epidermis to allow gases to
get in and out easily. (1 hole stoma)
• Chloroplast are most numerous in cells in the palisade layer, which is in the
top part of the leaf, closet to the sunlight.
• Xylem vessels transport water to the leaf cells
• Phloem sieve tubes carry the food made in the leaf cells to the rest of the
plant.
• A waxy cuticle prevents water loss from both surfaces of the leaf; it is
transparent to let light through.
Photosynthesis
Fate of the products of photosynthesis
The plant uses the oxygen and glucose produced in photosynthesis for various functions.
Oxygen
The oxygen is used by the leaf cells in respiration. Excess oxygen diffuses out of the leaves into air.
Glucose
The glucose can be used in a variety of ways:
• Used by the leaf cells in respiration to release energy
• Converted to starch by the leaf cells and stored, the starch can be converted back to glucose and used
• Can be converted to other organic substances e.g amino acids, lipids, fatty acids and protein
Limiting Factors in Photosynthesis
The limiting factors which affect photosynthesis are:
• Temperature
• The rate of a reaction increases of temperature increases, as molecules move
around faster with more heat.
• Enzymes is also involved in photosynthesis and they have an optimum temperature
at which they work best. So can affect the rate of reaction in cooler seasons
• Light intensity
• Light varies in the environment greatly between night and day. Light would be a
limiting factor in the night.
• Carbon dioxide concentration
• The concentration of carbon dioxide is usually low in the atmosphere. This would
be a limiting factor when temperature and light are at high levels.
• Availability of water
• The availability of water varies in the environment. If the soil is dry water may be a
limiting factor.
Minerals Salts Required by Plants
Element Mineral Salt Importance Deficiency
Nitrates/
Nitrogen To make proteins Poor growth, yellowing
Ammonium salts
Sulfur Sulfates To make proteins Poor growth, yellowing leaves
Phosphorus Phosphates To make ATP and DNA Poor growth, especially roots
Yellowing between veins of
Magnesium Magnesium salts To make chlorophyll
leaves
Calcium Calcium salts To make cell walls Death of growing tips
To keep correct salts
Potassium Potassium salts Yellowing in young leaves
balance in cells
THE END
Mrs. Alexander-Noreiga
