Complete Study Guide: Photosynthesis
Created by a student who scored 94% on this unit"
Photosynthesis is the biological process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into
chemical energy stored in glucose. It is one of the most important processes on Earth because it provides food and
oxygen for living organisms.
1. Overall Equation of Photosynthesis
6CO₂ + 6H₂ O + Light Energy → C6H12O6+ 6O2. •
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is taken from the atmosphere.
• Water (H2O) is absorbed from the soil.
• Light energy is trapped by chlorophyll.
• Glucose (C6H12O6) is produced as food.
• Oxygen (O2) is released into the atmosphere.
2. Structure of the Chloroplast
Photosynthesis takes place inside organelles called chloroplasts, mainly found in leaf cells. Important parts include:
Part Function
Chlorophyll Absorbs light energy
Thylakoids Site of light-dependent reactions
Grana Stacks of thylakoids
Stroma Site of Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions)
3. Stages of Photosynthesis
A. Light-Dependent Reactions
• Occur in the thylakoid membranes.
• Require sunlight.
• Water molecules are split in a process called photolysis.
• Oxygen is released.
• ATP and NADPH are produced for the Calvin cycle.
B. Calvin Cycle (Light-Independent Reactions)
• Occurs in the stroma.
• Does not directly require light.
• Uses ATP and NADPH from the light reactions.
• Carbon dioxide is converted into glucose.
4. Factors Affecting Photosynthesis
Created by a student who scored 94% on this unit"
Photosynthesis is the biological process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into
chemical energy stored in glucose. It is one of the most important processes on Earth because it provides food and
oxygen for living organisms.
1. Overall Equation of Photosynthesis
6CO₂ + 6H₂ O + Light Energy → C6H12O6+ 6O2. •
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is taken from the atmosphere.
• Water (H2O) is absorbed from the soil.
• Light energy is trapped by chlorophyll.
• Glucose (C6H12O6) is produced as food.
• Oxygen (O2) is released into the atmosphere.
2. Structure of the Chloroplast
Photosynthesis takes place inside organelles called chloroplasts, mainly found in leaf cells. Important parts include:
Part Function
Chlorophyll Absorbs light energy
Thylakoids Site of light-dependent reactions
Grana Stacks of thylakoids
Stroma Site of Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions)
3. Stages of Photosynthesis
A. Light-Dependent Reactions
• Occur in the thylakoid membranes.
• Require sunlight.
• Water molecules are split in a process called photolysis.
• Oxygen is released.
• ATP and NADPH are produced for the Calvin cycle.
B. Calvin Cycle (Light-Independent Reactions)
• Occurs in the stroma.
• Does not directly require light.
• Uses ATP and NADPH from the light reactions.
• Carbon dioxide is converted into glucose.
4. Factors Affecting Photosynthesis
