Describe the general process of photosynthesis in words and the simple chemical

Question

Describe the general process of photosynthesis in words and the simple chemical reaction (inputs and outputs of the light and dark reactions).
Describe the difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs and give an example of each.
For electromagnetic radiation, explain how energy is related to wavelength.
What is the function of pigments like chlorophyll a in photosynthesizers?
How is leaf color related to plant pigments and why do leaf colors change in the fall?
In your own words, explain what happens when chlorphyll a absorbs a photon of light.
Label a chloroplast and the component parts (stroma, thylakoid, membranes, granum).
Define the term electron transport phosphorylation
Explain in your own words how a proton gradient is used to generate ATP in both photosynthesis and aerobic respiration.
Identify the three types of ATP synthesis used by heterotrophs to convert glucose to ATP.
Identify alternative sources of energy can be used to make ATP in humans.
Review energy flow and matter recycling.
Explain why current CO2 levels in the atmosphere are considered a result of activities of humans. Review the ocean acidification exercise, pH and the consequences of ocean acidification on marine life.

Explanation / Answer

Photosynthesis is the process of converting light energy to chemical energy and storing it in the bonds of sugar. This process occurs in plants and some algae (Kingdom Protista). Plants need only light energy, CO2, and H2O to make sugar. The process of photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts, specifically using chlorophyll, the green pigment involved in photosynthesis. Photosynthesis takes place primarily in plant leaves, and little to none occurs in stems, etc. The parts of a typical leaf include the upper and lower epidermis, the mesophyll, the vascular bundle(s) (veins), and the stomates. The upper and lower epidermal cells do not have chloroplasts, thus photosynthesis does not occur there. They serve primarily as protection for the rest of the leaf. The stomates are holes which occur primarily in the lower epidermis and are for air exchange: they let CO2 in and O2 out. The vascular bundles or veins in a leaf are part of the plant's transportation system, moving water and nutrients around the plant as needed. The mesophyll cells have chloroplasts and this is where photosynthesis occurs The general equation for photosynthesis is therefore: 2n CO2 + 2n DH2 + photons ? 2(CH2O)n + 2n DO Carbon dioxide + electron donor + light energy ? carbohydrate + oxidized electron donor

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