Photosynthesis

Chloroplast Structure

PhotosyntheticReactions

1. Light dependent reactions

2. Light independent reactions (Calvin Cycle)

Light ReactionsLight dependent reactions take place in the thylakoid membrane, with the pigment chlorophyll absorbing sunlight

Light Reactions1. Energy from sunlight breaks water into H+, oxygen (O2) and electrons (e-).

Light Reactions2. H+ and e- are used to produce energy carrying molecules NADPH and ATP

Light Independent ReactionsLight independent reactions occur in the stroma

The Calvin (C3) Cycle

The Calvin (C3) Cycle

CO2 enters the leaf through the stomates

The Calvin (C3) Cycle

ATP and NADPH (from the light reactions) power the creation of three carbon chains

The Calvin (C3) Cycle

ADP and NADP+ return to the light reactionsin the thylakoid to be “recharged”

Formation of Glucose3-carbon chains from the C3 cycle join to form the six carbon molecule, glucose (or other molecules required by the plant)C-C-C + C-C-C C-C-C-C-C-C

GlucoseC6H12O6

Net Equation for Photosynthesis

6 CO2 + 6 H2O C6H12O6 + 6 O2

light, enzymes