What is Photosynthesis? Explain the Process of Photosynthesis

What is Photosynthesis? Explain the Process of Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae and some bacteria convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy in the form of organic compounds such as glucose. This process captures the light energy with special pigments called chlorophyll and uses it for a series of chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This process is essential for plant survival and is also responsible for producing the oxygen we breathe.

Site of Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts, organelles found in the cells of green plants. Chloroplast contains chlorophyll, a green pigment that absorbs light energy and converts it into chemical energy.

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Raw Materials Required for Photosynthesis

Three important raw materials required for photosynthesis are:

  • Carbon dioxide (CO2): It is obtained from the air through tiny pores called stomata on the surface of leaves.
  • Water (H2O): It is obtained from the soil through the roots of the plant and transported to the leaves through the stem.
  • Other substances such as nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and magnesium are also taken up from the soil and are essential for the growth and development of the plant.

Also Check – Where do Plants get each of the Raw Materials required for Photosynthesis

Conditions Necessary for Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis requires the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll. Sunlight provides the energy required for the process, while chlorophyll absorbs the light energy and converts it into chemical energy. The intensity, quality and duration of sunlight affect the rate of photosynthesis.

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Mechanism of Photosynthesis

The process of photosynthesis can be divided into three phases: Absorption, Conversion and Reduction.

Absorption

In this phase, light energy is absorbed by the chlorophyll molecules inside the chloroplasts.

Conversion

The absorbed energy causes water molecules to split into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is released into the environment, while the hydrogen ions are used to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), an energy-rich molecule that stores energy for later use.

Reduction

In this stage, carbon dioxide is reduced to carbohydrates (glucose), which are the end product of photosynthesis. This process requires energy in the form of ATP and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which are produced during the conversion stage.

The above steps do not have to take place immediately one after the other. In desert plants, for example, carbon dioxide is absorbed at night and stored as an intermediate product. During the day, the energy absorbed by the chlorophyll is used to convert the intermediate compound into glucose.

Steps of the process of Photosynthesis

  • The light energy of the sun is absorbed by the chlorophyll in the leaves of plants.
  • Water is absorbed by the roots and transported to the leaves.
  • Carbon dioxide enters the leaves through tiny pores called stomata.
  • The light energy is used to split the water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen in a process called photolysis.
  • The oxygen is released into the air as a by-product of photosynthesis.
  • The hydrogen is used to convert carbon dioxide into glucose in a process called the Calvin cycle or dark reaction.
  • The glucose is used as an energy source for the plant and excess glucose is stored as starch.

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Frequently Asked Questions on the Process of Photosynthesis.

What is photosynthesis?

Answer – Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae and some bacteria convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy in the form of organic compounds such as glucose.

What raw materials are required for photosynthesis?

Answer –  The three important raw materials required for photosynthesis are carbon dioxide, water and sunlight.

Where does photosynthesis take place?

Answer – Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts, organelles found in the cells of green plants.

What role does chlorophyll play in photosynthesis?

Answer – Chlorophyll is a green pigment that absorbs light energy and converts it into chemical energy during photosynthesis.

Also Check – Parts of Leaf – Structure, Types How Leaves Work , Function and Diagram

What conditions are required for photosynthesis?

Answer – Photosynthesis requires the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll. The intensity, quality and duration of sunlight affect the rate of photosynthesis.

What are the three phases of photosynthesis?

Answer – The three phases of photosynthesis are absorption, conversion and reduction.

What role do ATP and NADPH play in photosynthesis?

Answer – ATP and NADPH are energy-rich molecules that store energy for later use during photosynthesis.

What happens to the oxygen produced during photosynthesis?

Answer – The oxygen produced during photosynthesis is released into the environment as a by-product.

How is glucose produced during photosynthesis?

Answer – Glucose is produced during photosynthesis through a process called the Calvin cycle or dark reaction.

What role does starch play in photosynthesis?

Answer – Excess glucose produced during photosynthesis is stored as starch, which serves as an energy source for the plant.

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