Individual Project

What is Photosynthesis? Photosynthesis is the process of converting light energy to chemical energy and storing it in the bonds of sugar. This process occurs in plants and some algae (Kingdom Protista). Plants need only light energy, CO2, and H2O to make sugar. The process of photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts, specifically using chlorophyll, the green pigment involved in photosynthesis. Plants, animals and humans are very similar in this because all of us need Photosynthesis is to live, we need the energy of the sun to live.

Respiration is the process of where cells use glucose to release energy during this process cells release CO2. Between these 2 membranes is an intramembranous space. Inside the inner membrane is a fluid called the stroma which contains thylakoids, where photosynthesis takes place. The thylakoids are shaped like pancakes and are bounded by a membrane. Photosynthesis takes place on the thylakoid membrane. The thylakoid membrane has proteins embedded in it. The pigment chlorophyll is embedded in specialized proteins within the thylakoid membrane. Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light, but not green. This is what gives plants their green color.

When light strikes chlorophyll, it absorbs one photon and loses one electron.

Photosynthesis is a process in which light energy is used to drive the synthesis of carbohydrates. Aside from light energy, the reactants of photosynthesis include carbon dioxide and water. The synthesis of carbohydrates is an endergonic reaction that requires ATP. Because photosynthesis involves the synthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, it is referred to as anabolic. Aerobic respiration is a process that utilizes oxygen to oxidize organic molecules (such as glucose). The energy stored in organic molecules is used to generate ATP. Aerobic respiration is a catabolic reaction, because complex molecules are broken down into simpler ones. Photosynthesis releases oxygen as a byproduct. This oxygen results from the splitting of water during the light reactions of photosynthesis. The oxygen released into the atmosphere can then be used by organisms that respire aerobically to release the energy stored in organic molecules. In such organisms, water and carbon dioxide are released as by products. The carbon dioxide released is required for the synthesis of carbohydrates