Mechanism of Photosynthesis


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Mechanism of Photosynthesis

Mechanism of photosynthesis: Term photo synthesis was coined by Charles Reid Barnes in 1883. During photosynthesis the leaves containing chlorophyll in the presence of sunlight use carbon dioxide and water to synthesize glucose or sugar (simple carbohydrates). Carbohydrate which is produced in the process of photosynthesis is ultimately converted into starch and stored into leaves. From leaves it is transported to the parts of plants. Starch is a type of carbohydrate. The oxygen is so produced is released into atmosphere through the stomata. Leaves are known as the kitchen or food factories of the plants because photosynthesis takes place in leaves. Leaves look green because of the presence of cholrophyll. Besides leaves, photosynthesis takes place in other green parts of the plants also, such as in green stems. Sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis . Thus sun is the ultimate source of energy for all living organisms . The starch is carried to various parts of plants through pipe-like structures called phloem. The food stored in different parts of the plants are used by humans and animals. The chemical equation representing photosynthesis is as given below:large 6H_2O + 6CO_2 rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2

Major events that occur during the process of photosynthesis are :

  • Absorption: light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll found in the chloroplasts.
  • Conversion: of light energy into chemical energy and splitting of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
  • Reduction: carbon dioxide is reduced to carbohydrates.
  • The above steps may or may not take place one after the other immediately. e.g. desert plants take up carbon dioxide at night and prepare an intermediate compound. This intermediate compound is acted upon by the energy absorbed during the day by the chlorophyll.

    Sample Questions
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    Question : 1

    Chlorophyll _________________--

    Right Option : C
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    Explanation
    Question : 2

    Starch is a kind of ___________________

    Right Option : A
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    Explanation
    Question : 3

    Chemical product of photosynthesis is ____________________________

    Right Option : A
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    Explanation
     
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