Synthesis of each molecule of glucose in photosynthesis involvesa)8 mo...
Synthesis of glucose molecule in photosynthesis involves following reaction:
Synthesis of each molecule of glucose in photosynthesis involvesa)8 mo...
The Synthesis of Glucose in Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process that green plants use to manufacture carbohydrates, such as glucose, from carbon dioxide and water, using energy from sunlight. The overall reaction can be summarized as follows:
6 CO2 + 6 H2O + Light Energy → C6H12O6 + 6 O2
The synthesis of each molecule of glucose in photosynthesis involves several steps, including the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions. In the light-dependent reactions, energy from sunlight is used to generate ATP and NADPH, which are required for the light-independent reactions.
The Light-Dependent Reactions
The light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts. The pigments, such as chlorophyll, absorb light energy, which is used to generate ATP and NADPH. The light-dependent reactions can be summarized as follows:
1. Absorption of Light Energy by Pigments
The pigments in the thylakoid membranes absorb light energy, which excites electrons and generates ATP and NADPH.
2. Splitting of Water Molecules
Water molecules are split by the energy from sunlight, releasing oxygen gas and hydrogen ions. The oxygen gas is released into the atmosphere, while the hydrogen ions are used in the light-independent reactions.
3. Generation of ATP and NADPH
The energy from sunlight is used to generate ATP and NADPH. The ATP and NADPH are used in the light-independent reactions to synthesize glucose.
The Light-Independent Reactions
The light-independent reactions occur in the stroma of the chloroplasts. The carbon dioxide molecules are fixed into carbohydrates, such as glucose, using the energy from ATP and NADPH. The light-independent reactions can be summarized as follows:
1. Fixation of Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide molecules are fixed by the enzyme Rubisco, which catalyzes the reaction between carbon dioxide and a five-carbon sugar called ribulose bisphosphate (RuBP).
2. Synthesis of Carbohydrates
The fixed carbon dioxide molecules are used to synthesize carbohydrates, such as glucose, using the energy from ATP and NADPH generated in the light-dependent reactions.
3. Regeneration of RuBP
The remaining carbon molecules are used to regenerate RuBP, which is used again in the fixation of carbon dioxide.
The Energy Requirement
The synthesis of each molecule of glucose in photosynthesis involves the consumption of 18 molecules of ATP and 12 molecules of NADPH. The ATP and NADPH are generated by the light-dependent reactions, which require light energy and the splitting of water molecules. Therefore, photosynthesis is an energy-intensive process that requires sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.
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