Lecture on Special Abilities and Photosynthesis

Introduction

• Discussion on special abilities of organisms other than humans, such as flying like a peregrine falcon or walking up walls like a Texas banded gecko.
• Unusual desire to have a plant's ability: photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis

• A process not only performed by plants but also some protists and bacteria.
• Produces oxygen, crucial for animals and humans.
• Plants are major producers in food webs, essential for food and medication sources.

Importance of Photosynthesis

• Plants make their own food: glucose.
• Equation for photosynthesis highlights similarities to aerobic cellular respiration.
• Both processes involve exchanging inputs and outputs.

Plants and Glucose

• Plants create glucose through photosynthesis, unlike animals that must ingest it.
• Photosynthesis adaptations allow survival in various environments.

Light Capture

• Plants use pigments to capture light; chlorophyll is prominent.
• Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light, reflects green light.
• Other pigments help capture different light wavelengths.

Photosynthesis Process

• Occurs in chloroplasts, involves two major reactions:
  • Light Dependent Reactions
    • Occur in thylakoids.
    • Capture light, split water into electrons, protons, and oxygen.
    • Produce ATP and NADPH.
  • Light Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle/Dark Reaction)
    • Occur in stroma.
    • Involves CO2 intake through stomata.
    • Converts inorganic to organic carbon.
    • Uses ATP and NADPH to make glucose.

Adaptations in Photosynthesis

• Adaptations help optimize photosynthesis in various environments.
• Examples include diversity in leaf shapes, coverings, and pigments.
• CAM Photosynthesis
  • Adaptation in cacti.
  • Stomata open at night to minimize water loss, storing CO2 for daytime use.

Conclusion

• Photosynthesis is a complex and essential process with numerous adaptations.
• Encouragement to stay curious and explore further details on photosynthesis and plant adaptations.