Photosynthesis

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by lucycarrick03gmailcom | Friday 20th of January 2023

Photosynthesis


All organisms require a continuous supply of energy in order to stay alive. This energy can be obtained by the absorption of sunlight during photosynthesis, the absorption of chemical potential energy from large molecules or obtained by certain chemical reactions, which can be carried out by some specialised bacteria. Almost all life on Earth depends on photosynthesis, either directly or indirectly. The process of photosynthesis is vital since it supplies organisms with both an energy supply and useful carbon compounds. Photosynthesis supplies humans with the food they use as an energy source, the oxygen we need to release the energy from this food source, and a huge variety of useful products such as wood, coal and natural gas. 


Photosynthesis is a complex process that consists of many individual steps but can be considered to be a two-stage process: 

The light–dependent stage is concerned with absorption of photons of light energy by pigments such as chlorophyll. This is known as light harvesting. The light energy that has been absorbed is then used to make ATP (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate) and reduced NADP (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate) 


The light-independent stage uses the ATP and NADP made during the first stage to convert carbon dioxide into simple carbohydrates. These simple carbohydrates can then be transformed into a large number of other organic molecules. 


Take a look at our study guide for photosynthesis...





Key essays on photosynthesis


Investigation to find out how light intensity effects the rate of photosynthesis

Flowering plants, like all living organisms, need a supply of food. They need it as a source of energy in respiration and they need it as raw material for growth... 


The effects of shade from trees on plants below

A collection of living things together at the same place and time is called a Habitat. The main purpose of a habitat is to provide and adequate food supply, a comfortable... 


Investigating Factors Affecting the Rate of Photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and certain other organisms transform light into chemical energy. In green plants, light energy is captured by... 


An investigation into the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis of Canadian pondweed (Elodea canadensis)

All green plants need to be able to make their own food. They do this by a process called photosynthesis, which means, 'making things with light.' Photosynthesis... 


How plants have adapted or become acclimatised to shade.

Plants which grow in shady conditions have altered structurally and biochemically in order to cope with the low levels of light and harvest it efficiently. Low level light is rich in far... 


How the structure of cells is related to their function.

All living things are made up of cells, whether its plants, humans or even bacteria. There are two different types of cells one is the prokaryotic and the other is the eukaryotic. The...