Each of the following molecules is used during the process of photosynthesis. Ex

Question

Each of the following molecules is used during the process of photosynthesis. Explain how each molecule is used in the process of photosynthesis AND explain how the absence of this molecule would stop the process of photosynthesis 1. H20 2. NADP+ 3. RuBP 4. NADPH 5. Pigment molecules (such as chlorophyll)

I am having trouble with exlaining how the absence of the molecule would stop photosynthesis. Please be specific, "It stops photosynthesis" isnt very helpful. Why specifically does it stop? Thanks!

Explanation / Answer

1. H2O- Electrons are taken from water to form oxygen and it will be released for respiration processes. Without water oxygen could not be formed. The hydrogen freed by the splitting of water is also used in the creation of : reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which are energy sources.

2.NADP- The role of NADP, is to act as an electron carrier during the light dependent stages of photosynthesis. During the interaction, the electrons change NADP from its oxidized state - NADP+ - to its reduced state - NADPH. This is very important in the formation of oxygen.

3. RuBP- RuBP or ribulose bisphosphate, is a 5 carbon compound involved in the Calvin cycle, which is part of the light independent reactions of photosynthesis. Atmospheric CO2 is combined with RuBP to form a 6 carbon compound, with the help of an enzyme (biological catalyst) called RuBisCo. Hence, it is very important in fixing atmospheric CO2. Once, the carbon dioxide has been fixed, the dark reaction of photosynthesis can proceed and carbohydrates, proteins or fats can be produced, otherwise dark reaction of photosynthesis will stop.

4. NADPH- In photosynthesis, NADPH is generated, along with ATP in the light-dependent reactions, and used in the light-independent reactions as a reducing agent in the Calvin cycle to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) producing monosaccharides for use by the plant for structure and energy. Thus NADPH, acts as an reducing agent. Without it dark cycle will not proceed.

5. Pigment molecules (chlorophyll)-Chlorophyll is a pigment found in the chloroplasts of plants that absorbs different wavelengths from sun light required to convert water and carbon dioxide into chemical energy during photosynthesis. Sunlight is needed for photosynthesis because the solar energy is what is converted to chemical energy by the plant's chloroplasts. This energy is necessary for the production of glucose, which provides usable energy for the plant.

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