PHOTOSYNTHESIS
➔ takes place in the cells of leaves within the structures called chloroplasts
➔ leaves are considered as the plants’ food factories
➔ contain cells whose shapes and arrangements are well-adapted to perform the
photosynthetic function efficiently
Chloroplast - organelle of photosynthesis in plants and algae
Grana - fluid inner region that contains ribosomes, DNA, and enzymes
Stroma - suspended in the stroma, each composed of a stack of 10-20 thylakoids
Thylakoid - consists of membrane that is studded with photosynthetic pigments
thylakoid space - inner compartment enclosed by a thylakoid membrane
Structure of a Leaf
Epidermis - composed of thin, transparent, and closely packed cells that allow light to pass
through
Mesophyll tissue - palisade and spongy layer
- photosynthetic tissue since the cells composing this layer contain numerous
chloroplasts
Stomata - openings in the leaves where gases enter and leave
- guard cells regulate the size of the stomata
Vascular tissues
xylem - transports water and minerals coming from the roots
phloem - transports food, the product of photosynthetic process, to various plant parts where
it is needed
Chemical Equation of Photosynthesis
6 CO2 + 6 H2O = C6H12O6 + 6 CO2
➔ takes place in the cells of leaves within the structures called chloroplasts
➔ leaves are considered as the plants’ food factories
➔ contain cells whose shapes and arrangements are well-adapted to perform the
photosynthetic function efficiently
Chloroplast - organelle of photosynthesis in plants and algae
Grana - fluid inner region that contains ribosomes, DNA, and enzymes
Stroma - suspended in the stroma, each composed of a stack of 10-20 thylakoids
Thylakoid - consists of membrane that is studded with photosynthetic pigments
thylakoid space - inner compartment enclosed by a thylakoid membrane
Structure of a Leaf
Epidermis - composed of thin, transparent, and closely packed cells that allow light to pass
through
Mesophyll tissue - palisade and spongy layer
- photosynthetic tissue since the cells composing this layer contain numerous
chloroplasts
Stomata - openings in the leaves where gases enter and leave
- guard cells regulate the size of the stomata
Vascular tissues
xylem - transports water and minerals coming from the roots
phloem - transports food, the product of photosynthetic process, to various plant parts where
it is needed
Chemical Equation of Photosynthesis
6 CO2 + 6 H2O = C6H12O6 + 6 CO2
