Chapter 6: Energy for life
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the cellular structure where photosynthesis occurs and describe its function.
2. State the overall chemical equation for photosynthesis.
3. Recognize what is meant by the terms reduction and oxidation.
4. Describe the function of photosynthetic pigments.
5. Explain the flow of electrons in the light reactions.
6. Explain how ATP and NADPH are generated in the light reactions of photosynthesis.
7. Summarize the three stages of the Calvin cycle and describe the major
event that occurs during each stage.
8. Describe how ATP and NADPH are utilized in the reduction of CO2.
9. Summarize how the output of the Calvin cycle is used to make other carbohydrates.
10. Define C4 photosynthesis and explain why some plants must use this
type of photosynthesis.
11. Describe both the advantages and the disadvantages of C 4 photosynthesis
over C3 photosynthesis.
12. Compare and contrast the leaf structure of a C3 plant with that of a C4 plant.
13. Explain CAM photosynthesis and describe the conditions under which
plants can use it.
Producers convert Solar Energy to Chemical Energy
Photosynthesis:
• Transforms solar energy into chemical energy(carbohydrates)
• Producers—feed themselves and most of the consumers (most
other living organisms on Earth)
• Most food chains lead back to plants
UNIT 3 LECTURE NOTES 1
,• Producers are also called autotrophs - organisms that capture
energy and make organic molecules from inorganic nutrients
Examples of photosynthetic organisms:
UNIT 3 LECTURE NOTES 2
,Plant Anatomy
Epidermis: protective outer
layers Stomata: pores in the
epidermis Leaf vein: brings
water from roots
Mesophyll Cells: photosynthetic cells with
chloroplasts Chloroplasts - where photosynthesis
happens!
• Green portions carry on photosynthesis.
• Carbon dioxide enters leaves through small openings - stomata
• O2 diffuses out
• Roots absorb water, then water enters the leaf through leaf veins
• CO2 and H2O diffuse into mesophyll cells and then into chloroplasts
Chloroplasts – organelles that carry out photosynthesis
• Have a double membrane that surrounds the stroma –fluid
• Chloroplasts have their own DNA and ribosomes
Chloroplasts are packed with thylakoids (pancake-shaped structures) that
have chlorophyll molecules in their membranes
UNIT 3 LECTURE NOTES 3
, • Stacks of thylakoids are called grana
• Chlorophyll is a pigment that absorbs solar energy
Pigments are organic compounds that give plant and animal tissues color
• Pigments absorb solar energy
• Different pigments absorb and reflect different wavelengths of light
UNIT 3 LECTURE NOTES 4