Cell Biology: Photosynthesis Study Guide
Subject: General Science / Biology |Level: Secondary / High School |Type: Comprehensive Notes
1. Overview of Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the biological process by which autotrophic organisms (plants, algae, and
cyanobacteria) convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules.
6CO2 + 6H2O + Light Energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2
• Reactants: Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Water (H2O)
• Products: Glucose (C6H12O6) and Oxygen (O2)
• Primary Catalyst/Energy: Sunlight absorbed by Chlorophyll
2. Structure of the Chloroplast
Photosynthesis takes place inside specialized plant cell organelles called chloroplasts.
• Thylakoids: Sac-like photosynthetic membranes arranged in stacks called grana. Light-dependent
reactions take place here.
• Stroma: The fluid-filled space surrounding the thylakoids. Light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle)
occur here.
• Chlorophyll: The primary green pigment located in the thylakoid membranes that absorbs blue and red
light while reflecting green light.
3. The Two Stages of Photosynthesis
Feature Light-Dependent Reactions Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin
Cycle)
Location Thylakoid Membrane Stroma
Inputs Sunlight, Water (H2O), ADP, NADP+ Carbon Dioxide (CO2), ATP, NADPH
Outputs Oxygen (O2), ATP, NADPH Glucose (C6H12O6), ADP, NADP+
Subject: General Science / Biology |Level: Secondary / High School |Type: Comprehensive Notes
1. Overview of Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the biological process by which autotrophic organisms (plants, algae, and
cyanobacteria) convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules.
6CO2 + 6H2O + Light Energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2
• Reactants: Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Water (H2O)
• Products: Glucose (C6H12O6) and Oxygen (O2)
• Primary Catalyst/Energy: Sunlight absorbed by Chlorophyll
2. Structure of the Chloroplast
Photosynthesis takes place inside specialized plant cell organelles called chloroplasts.
• Thylakoids: Sac-like photosynthetic membranes arranged in stacks called grana. Light-dependent
reactions take place here.
• Stroma: The fluid-filled space surrounding the thylakoids. Light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle)
occur here.
• Chlorophyll: The primary green pigment located in the thylakoid membranes that absorbs blue and red
light while reflecting green light.
3. The Two Stages of Photosynthesis
Feature Light-Dependent Reactions Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin
Cycle)
Location Thylakoid Membrane Stroma
Inputs Sunlight, Water (H2O), ADP, NADP+ Carbon Dioxide (CO2), ATP, NADPH
Outputs Oxygen (O2), ATP, NADPH Glucose (C6H12O6), ADP, NADP+
