It is the method used by plants, algae, and certain bacteria to produce food in the form of
glucose and oxygen by utilizing water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) along with the energy
captured from sunlight.
The process majorly takes place in the leaves and stems of plants, within ornate cellular
organelles referred to as chloroplasts.
Balanced Chemical Equation:
6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Light Energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
(Carbon dioxide + Water + Light → Glucose + Oxygen)
What is the function of light in photosynthesis?
Answer:
Light supplies the energy required to break water molecules in the light-dependent reaction.
This results in the generation of oxygen, ATP, and NADPH, which are utilized in the dark
reaction to synthesize glucose.
Photosynthesis is impossible without light.
Define the structure of a chloroplast.
Answer:
Chloroplast is a double-membrane green organelle present in plant cells.
It has chlorophyll, the light-absorbing pigment.
Within it contains:
Thylakoids (disc-shaped structures where the light reaction takes place)
Grana (thylakoids in stacks)
Stroma (liquid where the dark reaction/Calvin cycle occurs)
, Chloroplast is the location of photosynthesis.Q6. What is photolysis?
Answer:
Photolysis is the breakdown of water molecules into oxygen, protons, and electrons when in the
presence of light and chlorophyll.
It takes place during the light reaction of photosynthesis.
???? Equation:
2H₂O → 4H⁺ + 4e⁻ + O₂. Why is photosynthesis critical to life on Earth?
Answer:
Photosynthesis is important because:
It generates oxygen, which is needed for respiration
It absorbs excess CO₂ from the airIt generates food (glucose) for plants and all consumers
It stabilizes the balance of gases in the environment
Relating the internal structure of leaves with
photosynthesis:
Part of a leaf Role in Photosynthesis
Cuticle
Outer layer, waxy cuticle, impregnability, and loss of moisture at the surface is avoided.
Upper Epidermis
Transparent upper layer which allows light to penetrate leaves
Palisade Mesophyll
Chloroplasts rich → site of photosynthesis
Spongy Mesophyll
Permits gas exchange