Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis
TOPIC OUTLINE
1. Chloroplast
2. Chlorophyll
3. Photosynthesis
a. Light dependent Reaction’
b. Calvin Cycle
Structure of Chloroplast
2 CHLOROPHYLL
WHAT IS CHLOROPHYLL?
● Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in
plants and algae that's essential for
photosynthesis.
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CAROTENOIDS
● Are a class of pigments that include
hydrocarbons of various shades of yellow
and orange, because they absorb violet and
blue-green light.
3 PHOTOSYNTHESIS
WHAT IS PHOTOSYNTHESIS?
● Photosynthesis is a process by which
(b)Engelmann’s experiments on the action
phototrophs convert light energy into
spectrum measurements. A spectrum of light was
chemical energy, which is later used to fuel
projected onto the spiral chloroplasts of Spirogyra
cellular activities.
(a filamentous green alga);
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● These excited electrons are transferred to ● ATP synthase uses the passage of H+ ions to
carrier molecules within the thylakoid catalyse the synthesis of ATP (from ADP + Pi)
membrane ● This process is called photophosphorylation
– as light provided the initial energy source
Excited electrons from Photosystem II are used to for ATP production
contribute to generate a proton gradient. ● The newly de-energised electrons from
Photosystem II are taken up by Photosystem I
ATP synthase in thylakoids generates ATP using
the proton gradient. Excited electrons from Photosystem I are used to
reduce NADPH.
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● Excited electrons from Photosystem I may be ● The light independent reactions use the
transferred to a carrier molecule chemical energy derived from light
(ferredoxin) and used to reduce NADP+. dependent reactions to form organic
● This forms NADPH – which is needed (in molecules.
conjunction with ATP) for the Calvin cycle. ● The light independent reactions occur in the
● The electrons lost from Photosystem I are fluid-filled space of the chloroplast called
replaced by de-energised electrons from the stroma.
Photosystem II. ● The light independent reactions are
● The electrons lost from Photosystem II are collectively known as the Calvin cycle and
replaced by electrons released from water involve three main steps:
via photolysis. 1. Carboxylation fixation
● Water is split by light energy into H+ ions 2. Reduction
(used in chemiosmosis) and oxygen 3. Regeneration of the CO2 acceptor (RuBP)
(released as a by-product).
TERMS USED
RUBP - Ribulose bisphosphate
CALVIN CYCLE
Rubisco - Ribulose-1, 5-bisphosphate
● The light independent reactions are also carboxylase/oxygenase
collectively known as the Calvin cycle – PGA - phosphoglycerate
named after American chemist Melvin G3P - glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate
Calvin
● Calvin mapped the complete conversion of
carbon within a plant during the process of
photosynthesis.
● Calvin’s elucidation of photosynthetic carbon
compounds is commonly classed the
‘lollipop experiment’
● This is due to the fact that the apparatus he
utilised was thought to resemble an
upside-down lollipop
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Step 2: Reduction
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