PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants capture energy and make complex molecules (carbohydrates) in a series of linked chemical reactions.

Energy is required for life processes such as: growth & development, movement, transport

Autotrophs – organisms that produce food from sunlight.

Heterotrophs –consume other organisms for energy. Primary consumers Secondary

consumers Secondary

consumers

Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plants.

Absorbs light energy It reflects green wavelengths of light (this

is why plants are green)

Plant Structure

Chloroplast Granum Thylakoid Pigments

Pigments

Chlorophyll Carotenoids

History

Aristotle - thought that plants derived their food from the soil.

History

Nicolas de Saussure – found that plants require carbon dioxide and water to grow

History

Jan Ingenhousz – found that plants produce oxygen when exposed to light.

History

Joseph Priestley – performed the bell jar & candle experiment. Found that plants give off oxygen

History

Jean Senebier - found that plants require carbon dioxide and light for photosynthesis

History

Jan van Helment – found a plant’s mass is mostly water.

History

John Mayer – discovered that plants convert light energy into chemical energy (carbohydrates)