Photosynthesis and Plant Adaptations

Introduction

• Special abilities in other organisms (like flying, wall-climbing)
• Desire for plant-specific abilities like photosynthesis
• Photosynthesis is critical for plants and indirectly benefits animals/humans

Importance of Photosynthesis

• Produces oxygen necessary for respiration
• Plants are major producers in food webs
• Crucial for medications and food sources

Photosynthesis Process

• Glucose Production: Plants make glucose via photosynthesis
• Equation: Balanced equation for photosynthesis (similarities to cellular respiration)
  • Reactants (inputs) of photosynthesis become products (outputs) in cellular respiration
  • Products (outputs) of photosynthesis become reactants (inputs) in cellular respiration

Key Components

• Pigments: Chlorophyll absorbs red/blue light, reflects green
• Chloroplasts: Location of photosynthesis, contains pigments

Two Major Reactions in Chloroplasts

Light Dependent Reactions

• Occur in thylakoids (stacks called granum, multiple stacks called grana)
• Inputs: Light and water
• Outputs: Oxygen, ATP, NADPH
• Water is split into electrons, protons, and oxygen

Light Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)

• Occur in stroma (fluid outside thylakoids)
• Inputs: Carbon dioxide, ATP, NADPH
• Outputs: Glucose
• Carbon dioxide enters through stomata (pores on leaves)
• Enzyme Contribution: Inorganic CO2 fixed into organic forms
• ATP provides energy; NADPH provides reducing power
• Series of pathways converting CO2 + ATP + NADPH into glucose

Photosynthesis Equation Recap

• Light Dependent Reactions provide ATP and NADPH
• Calvin Cycle uses CO2 to produce glucose

Plant Adaptations for Photosynthesis

• Diverse leaf shapes, coverings, and pigments
• Example: CAM photosynthesis in cacti
  • Open stomata at night to collect CO2, close during the day to conserve water

Conclusion

• Photosynthesis is an intriguing and vital process
• Importance of staying curious and exploring more details about plant adaptations and the detailed mechanisms of photosynthesis

Further Reading

• Mention of further reading links for deeper understanding