Photosynthesis is a fundamental biological process where plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy, producing oxygen and organic compounds. This process supports life by maintaining atmospheric oxygen levels and forming the base of the food chain. Variations in photosynthetic pathways allow organisms to adapt to different environments, while the Calvin cycle plays a crucial role in carbon fixation and sugar production. Photosynthesis also significantly impacts the global carbon cycle and climate regulation.
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Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy necessary for their survival
Oxygenic Photosynthesis
Oxygenic photosynthesis, carried out by plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, produces oxygen as a byproduct
Anoxygenic Photosynthesis
Anoxygenic photosynthesis, performed by some bacteria, does not produce oxygen but may release sulfur
Unique Anoxygenic Photosynthesis
Certain archaea have a unique form of anoxygenic photosynthesis that uses rhodopsin-like proteins to produce ATP without carbon fixation
Photosynthesis is initiated by the absorption of light by pigments such as chlorophyll, which then use the light energy to extract electrons from water and produce oxygen, ATP, and NADPH
The Calvin cycle is a series of enzymatic reactions that occur in the stroma of chloroplasts, converting atmospheric CO2 into glucose and other carbohydrates
The Calvin cycle uses energy and reducing power from the light-dependent reactions to convert fixed CO2 into glucose, which is essential for plant growth and serves as an energy source for other organisms
Early photosynthetic organisms likely used electron donors other than water, such as hydrogen or hydrogen sulfide
The advent of cyanobacteria, which used water as an electron source, led to the Great Oxygenation Event and the dramatic increase of atmospheric oxygen
Photosynthesis remains a cornerstone of life on Earth, capturing an immense amount of solar energy and sustaining nearly all ecosystems
Photosynthesis plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle by capturing atmospheric CO2 and converting it into organic biomass
Plants, particularly large crops, bind significant amounts of CO2 annually through photosynthesis, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas concentrations
Photosynthesis serves a dual role in sustaining life by producing food and oxygen, while also helping to moderate climate change through carbon sequestration
00
During photosynthesis, ______ is produced and released into the atmosphere, supporting life on Earth.
oxygen
01
Organic compounds like sugars and starches, synthesized through photosynthesis, act as ______ reserves.
energy
02
The breakdown of these organic compounds via ______ respiration releases energy for life processes.
cellular
