Can you explain why twelve molecules of water as substrate are used in...
Introduction:
Photosynthesis is an essential process for the survival of plants and other organisms. It is a process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of organic compounds like glucose. The equation for photosynthesis is generally represented as follows:
6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2
The Role of Water in Photosynthesis:
Water is one of the important reactants in the photosynthesis equation. It is used as a source of electrons, which are required during the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. During these reactions, light energy is absorbed by pigments like chlorophyll, and the energy is used to split water molecules into oxygen, hydrogen ions, and electrons. The oxygen is released into the atmosphere, while the hydrogen ions and electrons are used to produce ATP and NADPH, which are used during the light-independent reactions.
Why Twelve Molecules of Water?
In the photosynthesis equation, twelve molecules of water are used as substrates. This is because, during the light-dependent reactions, each molecule of water is split into two hydrogen ions, two electrons, and one molecule of oxygen. Since the reaction requires six molecules of water to produce one molecule of glucose, it implies that twelve molecules of water are needed to produce six molecules of oxygen and twelve hydrogen ions and electrons.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, water is an essential substrate in the process of photosynthesis. It is used as a source of electrons during the light-dependent reactions, and the twelve molecules of water used in the equation provide the necessary number of electrons and hydrogen ions to produce the ATP and NADPH required for the light-independent reactions.
Can you explain why twelve molecules of water as substrate are used in...
The process of photosynthesis for the fixation of 6 carbon dioxide molecules will always release 6 oxygen molecules and as we know that the oxygen is evolved from water, therefore for the evolution of 6 molecules of oxygen we definitely require 12 molecules of water.
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