Life on Earth

Chapter 7
Photosynthesis: Capturing Solar Energy
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Photosynthesis: An Overview
  • Leaves and chloroplasts are adaptations for photosynthesis.

    The Light-Dependent Reactions: Converting Light to Chemical Energy
  • During photosynthesis, light is first captured by pigments in chloroplasts.
  • The light-dependent reactions occur in clusters of molecules called photosystems.

    The Light-Independent Reactions: Securing Chemical Energy in Glucose Molecules
  • The C3 cycle captures carbon dioxide.
  • Carbon fixed during the C3 cycle is used to synthesize glucose.

    The Relationship between the Light-Dependent and the Light-Independent Reactions

    Water, CO2, and the C4 Pathway
  • When stomata are closed to conserve water, wasteful photorespiration occurs.
  • C4 Plants reduce photorespiration using a two-stage carbon fixation process.
  • C3 and C4 plants are adapted to specific environmental conditions.



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