PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Photosynthesis is a process by which phototrophs convert light energy into chemical energy,
which is later used to fuel cellular activities. The chemical energy is stored in the form of
sugars, which are created from water and carbon dioxide.
Photosynthesis definition states that the process exclusively takes place in the chloroplasts
through photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotene and xanthophyll.
All green plants and a few other autotrophic organisms utilize photosynthesis to synthesize
nutrients by using carbon dioxide, water and sunlight. The by-product of the photosynthesis
process is oxygen.

What Is Photosynthesis in Biology?

The word “photosynthesis” is derived from the Greek words phōs (pronounced: “fos”)
and σύνθεσις(pronounced: “synthesis“)Phōs means “light” and σύνθεσις means,
“combining together.” This means “combining together with the help of light.”

• Photosynthesis is also used by algae to convert solar energy into chemical energy.
Oxygen is liberated as a by-product and light is considered as a major factor to complete
the process of photosynthesis.
 • Photosynthesis occurs when plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water
into glucose and oxygen. Leaves contain microscopic cellular organelles known as
chloroplasts.
• Each chloroplast contains a green-coloured pigment called chlorophyll. Light energy is
absorbed by chlorophyll molecules whereas carbon dioxide and oxygen enter through the
tiny pores of stomata located in the epidermis of leaves.
• Another by-product of photosynthesis is sugars such as glucose and fructose.
• These sugars are then sent to the roots, stems, leaves, fruits, flowers and seeds. In other
words, these sugars are used by the plants as an energy source, which helps them to
grow. These sugar molecules then combine with each other to form more complex
carbohydrates like cellulose and starch. The cellulose is considered as the structural
material that is used in plant cell walls.

Where Does This Process Occur?

Chloroplasts are the sites of photosynthesis in plants and blue-green algae. All green parts of a
plant, including the green stems, green leaves, and sepals – floral parts comprise of chloroplasts
– green colour plastids. These cell organelles are present only in plant cells and are located
within the mesophyll cells of leaves.

Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis process requires several factors such as:

• Light Intensity: Increased light intensity results in a higher rate of

photosynthesis. On the other hand, low light intensity results in a lower rate of
photosynthesis.
• The concentration of CO2: Higher concentration of carbon dioxide helps in
increasing the rate of photosynthesis. Usually, carbon dioxide in the range of 300
– 400 PPM(PARTS PER MILLION or /mg/L) is adequate for photosynthesis.
 • Temperature: For efficient execution of photosynthesis, it is important to have a
temperature range between 25° to 35° C.
• Water: As water is an important factor in photosynthesis, its deficiency can lead
to problems in the intake of carbon dioxide.
• Pollution: Industrial pollutants and other particulates may settle on the leaf
surface. This can block the pores of stomata which makes it difficult to take in
carbon dioxide.

Photosynthesis Equation
Photosynthesis reaction involves two reactants, carbon dioxide and water. These two reactants
yield two products, namely, oxygen and glucose. Hence, the photosynthesis reaction is
considered to be an endothermic reaction. Following is the photosynthesis formula:

6CO2 + 6H2O —> C6H12O6 + 6O2

Unlike plants, certain bacteria that perform photosynthesis do not produce oxygen as the by-
product of photosynthesis. Such bacteria are called anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria(green
sulphur bacteria). The bacteria that do produce oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis are
called oxygenic photosynthetic bacteria(e.g nostoc)

Photosynthetic Pigments
There are four different types of pigments present in leaves:

1. Chlorophyll a
2. Chlorophyll b
3. Xanthophylls
4. Carotenoids

Process Of Photosynthesis
At the cellular level, the photosynthesis process takes place in cell organelles called chloroplasts.
These organelles contain a green-coloured pigment called chlorophyll, which is responsible for
the characteristic green colouration of the leaves.
As already stated, photosynthesis occurs in the leaves and the specialized cell organelles
responsible for this process is called the chloroplast. Structurally, a leaf comprises a petiole,
epidermis and a lamina. The lamina is used for absorption of sunlight and carbon dioxide
during photosynthesis.
“Photosynthesis Steps:”

• During the process of photosynthesis, carbon dioxide enters through the stomata, water is
absorbed by the root hairs from the soil and is carried to the leaves through the xylem
vessels. Chlorophyll absorbs the light energy from the sun to split water molecules into
hydrogen and oxygen.
• The hydrogen from water molecules and carbon dioxide absorbed from the air are used in
the production of glucose. Furthermore, oxygen is liberated out into the atmosphere through
the leaves as a waste product.
• Glucose is a source of food for plants that provide energy for growth and
development, while the rest is stored in the roots, leaves and fruits, for their later use.
• Pigments are other fundamental cellular components of photosynthesis. They are the
molecules that impart colour and they absorb light at some specific wavelength and reflect
back the unabsorbed light. All green plants mainly contain chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and
carotenoids which are present in the thylakoids of chloroplasts. It is primarily used to capture
light energy. Chlorophyll-a is the main pigment.

PHASES OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS
The process of photosynthesis occurs in two stages:

• Light-dependent reaction or light reaction

• Light independent reaction or dark reaction

Stages of Photosynthesis in Plants depicting the two phases – Light reaction and Dark reaction

Light Reaction of Photosynthesis (or) Light-dependent Reaction

• Photosynthesis begins with the light reaction which is carried out only during the day in
the presence of sunlight. In plants, the light-dependent reaction takes place in the
thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.
• The Grana, membrane-bound sacs like structures present inside the thylakoid functions
by gathering light and is called photosystems.
 • These photosystems have large complexes of pigment and proteins molecules present
within the plant cells, which play the primary role during the process of light reactions of
photosynthesis.
• There are two types of photosystems: photosystem I and photosystem II.
• Under the light-dependent reactions, the light energy is converted to ATP and NADPH
(Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which are used in the second phase of
photosynthesis.
• During the light reactions, ATP and NADPH are generated by two electron-transport
chains, water is used and oxygen is produced.

Dark Reaction of Photosynthesis (or) Light-independent Reaction

• Dark reaction is also called carbon-fixing reaction.
• It is a light-independent process in which sugar molecules are formed from the water and
carbon dioxide molecules.
• The dark reaction occurs in the stroma of the chloroplast where they utilize the NADPH
and ATP products of the light reaction.
• Plants capture the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through stomata and proceed to
the Calvin photosynthesis cycle.
• In the Calvin cycle, the ATP and NADPH formed during light reaction drive the reaction
and convert 6 molecules of carbon dioxide into one sugar molecule or glucose.

Importance of Photosynthesis
• Photosynthesis is essential for the existence of all life on earth. It serves a crucial role in
the food chain – the plants create their food using this process, thereby, forming the
primary producers.
• Photosynthesis is also responsible for the production of oxygen – which is needed by
most organisms for their survival.
 CLASSWORK & HOMEWORK
Q1

1. What is Photosynthesis? Explain the process of photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis is a biological process utilized by all green plants to synthesize their own
nutrients. The process of photosynthesis requires solar energy, water and carbon dioxide. The by-
product of this process is oxygen.

Q2

2. What is the significance of Photosynthesis?

During photosynthesis, oxygen gas is liberated out into the environment and is utilized by humans,
animals and other living species during the process of respiration.

Q3

3. List out the factors influencing Photosynthesis.

There are several factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis. Light intensity, water, soil pH,
carbon dioxide concentration, temperature and other climatic conditions are the main factors
affecting the rate of photosynthesis.

Q4

4. What are the different stages of Photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis takes place in two stages, namely light-dependent reactions and light-independent
reactions. Light-dependent reactions are also called light reactions and occur during the day time.
Light-independent reaction is also called the dark reaction or the Calvin cycle.

Q5

6. Write down the Photosynthesis Equation.

6CO2 + 6H2O —> C6H12O6 + 6O2

Q6.Draw a neat and well labelled diagram of chloroplast.