Unit C: Photosynthesis

Unit C: Photosynthesis

1. Light and Pigments

   • Light is best described as Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)
     • Basic unit of light = PHOTON
       • A photon is an individual packet of light energy that absorbs different wavelengths
     • Only 390nm - 750nm is visible
       • Shorter wavelength = Higher energy
   • Pigments are complex molecules that absorb and reflect different wavelengths
     • The color that is visible is being REFLECTED and not absorbed
     • Main pigment in plants is Chlorophyll
       • It reflects green light. There is Chlorophyll a & b
       • Carotenoids are also found in leaves & fruit and reflect orange/yellow light
       • Anthocyanins reflect red light

2. Leaf Anatomy

   • Chloroplasts found in the palisade layer of the leaf are responsible for photosynthesis

3. High Energy Compounds Involved in Photosynthesis

   • ATP
     • - main energy supply in cells         - formed by CHEMIOSMOSIS through ATP Synthase ADP + P --> ATP
   • NADPH
     • -temporary storage for electrons   (NADP+) + (H+) + (2e-) -->NADPH
   • Glucose
     • -final result of photosynthesis       -energy storage molecule              -used to generate ATP during cellular respiration

4. Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

   • OIL RIGS LEO GER *occur simultaneously
   • Oxidation = loss
   • Reduction = gain

5. PHOTOSYNTHESIS

   • Light Dependant Reactions
     • 2 PHASES 1) Capturing light energy 2) Electron Transfer and ATP Synthesis
     • OCCUR IN THE THYLAKOID
   • Light Independent Reactions (Calvin Benson Cycle)
     • 3 Phases:1) Carbon Fixation2) Reduction 3) Regenerating RuBP **it takes 2 turns of the cycle to make 1 glucose**
     • OCCUR IN THE STROMA

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