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We all know that plants use photosynthesis to make their food. But, what exactly does photosynthesis mean and what is the process of it? Which components help the plants to conduct the process of photosynthesis? If you are also having these questions then you have landed on the right page. Keep reading this article to find answers to all your questions.
What is Photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is carried out by all plants to convert sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and sugar (food). Basically, in this process the light energy is converted into chemical energy. Organisms that conduct this photosynthesis are known as photoautotrophs. During this process oxygen is also released in the environment.
We all know that oxygen is vital for our survival and photosynthesis plays a major role in producing and maintaining the oxygen level on our Earth. Herbivores eat the plants and get nutrition. Later on, carnivores eat the herbivores and this cycle keeps on repeating.
Chlorophyll:
Chlorophyll gives green color to all the plants and also plays a significant role in photosynthesis. Chloroform is basically a green pigment. Now, you may ask what is a pigment? Great question! A pigment is a molecule that carries a particular color. It has the ability to absorb light at different wavelengths depending upon the color that the molecule carries.
Chlorophyll helps the plants to absorb energy from sunlight. Using chlorophyll plants can make their own tissues. It is located in a plant’s chloroplasts. This is where the process of photosynthesis takes place.
Process of Photosynthesis:
During photosynthesis the carbon dioxide and water from the air is taken by the green plants. In the second step the water is oxidised within the plant cell (it loses electrons). On the other hand, carbon dioxide is reduced (it gains electrons).
Water is converted into oxygen and carbon dioxide is converted into glucose. At the last stage the oxygen is released back into the atmosphere. The energy is stored in the plants within the glucose molecules.
Formula of Photosynthesis:
The process of photosynthesis is different in both the green plants and sulfur bacteria. Green plants use water and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and glucose. This is known as oxygenic photosynthesis.
Although in sulfur bacteria oxygen is not produced during the process of photosynthesis. Instead they release carbohydrates, sulfur, and water molecules. This is known as anoxygenic photosynthesis.
Oxygenic Photosynthesis:
Carbon Dioxide+Water+Solar EnergyGlucose+Oxygen
6CO2+6H2O+Solar Energy C6H12O6+6O2
OR
Carbon Dioxide+Water+Solar EnergyGlucose+Oxygen + Water
6CO2+12H2O+Solar Energy C6H12O6+6O2 + 6H2O
Anoxygenic Photosynthesis:
CO2 + 2H2S + Light Energy (CH2O)+ H2O + 2S
Factors Affecting Photosynthesis:
Light Intensity:
The process of photosynthesis is not possible if the plant doesn’t get enough light. Even if the plant gets a lot of carbon dioxide and oxygen but not enough light, the process of photosynthesis will not be possible. If the light intensity increases the speed of photosynthesis will also increase. An increased light intensity results in more chlorophyll molecules being ionized. This increases the generation of ATPs and NADH.
Carbon Dioxide:
If the concentration of carbon dioxide in a plant is high then the time taken by the plant to conduct photosynthesis will be less. A higher carbon dioxide speeds up the process of incorporating carbon into carbohydrates in the light-independent reactions.
Temperature:
If the temperature is too hot or too cold plants won’t be able to carry out photosynthesis. A temperature range between 25° to 35° C is suitable for photosynthesis.
Water:
If the plant doesn’t get enough water then it won’t be able to take carbon dioxide properly. Certain amount of water is required for stomatal opening.
Pollution:
Due to increasing population and industrialization the amount of pollutants in the environment is increasing day by day. These pollutants can stay on the leaf for a long period of time which ultimately blocks the pores of stomata. This blockage makes it difficult for the plant to take in carbon dioxide.
Conclusion:
As you can see without photosynthesis plants won’t be able to make their own food. If plants are not able to do photosynthesis then there won’t be any oxygen in the environment. This shows that photosynthesis is not only important for the plants but it plays a major role in maintaining the ecological balance in our environment. Always remember that sunlight, water and carbon dioxide are the three main things that make photosynthesis possible.
