Overview of Photosynthesis in Plants

Introduction to Photosynthesis

What is Photosynthesis?

• Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and certain bacteria transform light energy into chemical energy. This energy is stored as glucose, which is used to provide energy for the organism.
• The process primarily occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells where chlorophyll pigments are located.

Stages of Photosynthesis

Light-Dependent Reactions:

• These reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts and require the presence of light.
• The primary goal is to convert solar energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.
• Water is split in the process, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle):

• Take place in the stroma of the chloroplast and use the ATP and NADPH produced earlier to fix carbon dioxide into glucose.
• Carbon fixation is catalysed by the enzyme RuBisCO, the most abundant protein on Earth.