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Introduction to Photosynthesis

  • Photosynthesis is a vital process that occurs in green plants, enabling them to create their own food using light energy. 
  • It is an endothermic reaction where energy is absorbed from the surroundings to produce glucose.

Key Components of Photosynthesis

  • Reactants and Products: In photosynthesis, the main reactants are carbon dioxide and water. Through the process, plants produce glucose, which serves as their energy source, along with oxygen as a byproduct.
  • Role of Chlorophyll: Chlorophyll, a pigment found in chloroplasts, plays a crucial role in capturing light energy essential for the photosynthesis process to take place. This pigment absorbs light energy, which is then utilized to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose.
  • Energy Requirement: Photosynthesis requires not only chlorophyll but also energy from light to drive the chemical reactions that transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This energy is harnessed by plants to fuel their growth and development.
  • Equation for Photosynthesis: The overall chemical equation for photosynthesis is a symbolic representation of the process, showing how carbon dioxide and water react in the presence of light to produce glucose and oxygen, highlighting the fundamental steps involved in this essential biological process.
  • Carbon dioxide and water producing glucose and oxygen during photosynthesis:
    Photosynthesis | Chemistry for Grade 11 (IGCSE)

Question for Photosynthesis
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What are the main reactants in the process of photosynthesis?
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Symbol Equation for Photosynthesis

The balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis is: 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2
Photosynthesis | Chemistry for Grade 11 (IGCSE)

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FAQs on Photosynthesis - Chemistry for Grade 11 (IGCSE)

1. What is photosynthesis and why is it important?
Ans. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. It is crucial for life on Earth as it is the primary way in which oxygen is replenished in the atmosphere and provides energy for plants and other organisms.
2. What is the symbol equation for photosynthesis and what does it represent?
Ans. The symbol equation for photosynthesis is: 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2. This equation represents the chemical reaction that takes place during photosynthesis, showing the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen with the help of sunlight.
3. How does photosynthesis occur in plants?
Ans. Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll absorbs sunlight. The absorbed light energy is used to convert carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil into glucose and oxygen. This process takes place in two main stages - the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle).
4. What factors can affect the rate of photosynthesis?
Ans. Factors such as light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and water availability can affect the rate of photosynthesis in plants. For example, insufficient light or low temperatures can slow down the process, while optimal conditions can increase the rate of photosynthesis.
5. How does photosynthesis contribute to the global carbon cycle?
Ans. Photosynthesis plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and converting it into organic compounds like glucose. This process helps to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is important for maintaining Earth's climate and supporting life on the planet.
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