Stages of Photosynthesis

Stages of Photosynthesis 

In photosynthesis, light energy is converted into chemical energy, which is then used by the plant to generate its food. Using water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight in the presence of chlorophyll, plants can manufacture their food or energy in the form of sugar while also emitting oxygen as a byproduct as a result of the process. Understanding the process of photosynthesis necessitates having a good understanding of the various cellular and chemical activities that take place within the plant body. The term photosynthesis was coined from the Greek word for light, which was combined with the word for synthesis. In this case, light energy is being used to initiate a chemical reaction, thereby implying a synthesis. This is not just true for green plants, but also for certain bacteria and prokaryotes, which need this process to prepare their food to survive. Chlorophyll is present in the chloroplast of green plants and algae, which is an important organelle that plays a role in the creation of the pigment. In their leaves, stalks, flowers, sepals, and even in their plastids, chlorophyll can be found.

Factors Influencing the Process of Photosynthesis

A variety of things influence or have an impact on the photosynthetic process. These are the ones:

1. Light Intensity: The greater the amount of light available, the greater the rate of photosynthesis. In a similar vein, low light levels will result in a slow pace of photosynthesis.

2. A higher CO2 concentration rate in a plant also has the additional effect of speeding up photosynthesis. The needed level of CO2 is 300-400 parts per million (PPM).

3. Temperature: Photosynthesis occurs most efficiently when the temperature is between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius.

4. Water: Stomatal opening necessitates the presence of a sufficient amount of water, which is a critical component of the photosynthesis reaction.

5. Pollution: As the rate of polluting particles in the atmosphere increases, they clog the pores of somatic cells, making it difficult for them to take in carbon dioxide from the environment.

Equation for Photosynthesis

When it comes to photosynthesis, carbon dioxide and water are the two most important components to consider. It is an endothermic reaction, and the products that arise from it are oxygen and glucose, which are both beneficial. The formula is as follows: 

6CO2+6H2O → C6H12O6+6O2 

Some bacteria, however, do not create oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis, as opposed to the majority of bacteria. They are referred to as anoxygenic photosynthetic bacteria, whereas those that produce oxygen are referred to as oxygenic photosynthetic bacteria. 

Photosynthetic Pigments 

In the leaves of plants, four different types of photosynthetic pigments can be found. They are as follows:

1. Chlorophyll a

2. Chlorophyll b

3. Xanthophylls

4. Carotenoids

Chlorophyll molecule structure

Chlorophyll is a green colour pigment present in plants that is essential for the process of photosynthesis to take place. It enables the plants to absorb the energy emitted by the sun, which is required for photosynthesis to occur.

Process of Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is a natural mechanism that happens in plants. It occurs at the cellular level in chloroplasts, which contain chlorophyll, and takes place in the presence of chlorophyll. The petiole, epidermis, and lamina of leaves are the sections of the leaf that absorb solar energy. Photosynthesis Process Steps: The photosynthesis process is divided into two stages or levels, which are as follows: These are the ones:

Light-dependent Reaction

The procedure begins in the daylight by capturing and concentrating the available light. The two types of photosystems are responsible for the conversion of light energy into ATP and NADPH. In the process of converting them, oxygen is created and water is utilised. The following is the equation for this step:

2H2O+2NADP+3ADP+3Pi → O2+2NADPH+3ATP

The Dark Reaction of Photosynthesis 

This process is referred to as carbon-fixing. It is not light-dependent and takes place in chloroplasts, where the products from the previous stage are utilised. Once the CO2 is taken up by the plants, the Calvin Photosynthesis Cycle is initiated, during which the six molecules of CO2 are transformed into sugar or glucose.

3CO2+6NADPH+5H2O+9ATP → G3P+2H+6NADP+9ADP+8Pi

Photosynthesis importance

The process of photosynthesis is critical for the survival of all living things as well as the continuation of the food chain in the environment. It also contributes to the production of oxygen, which is necessary for breathing.

CONCLUSION

Photosynthesis is the process through which green plants and certain other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, and it is the most important process in the world. The process of photosynthesis in green plants captures and utilises light energy to transform water, carbon dioxide, and minerals into oxygen and energy-dense organic molecules, which are then used to produce food.