Photosynthesis All of energy used by almost all living cells comes ultimately from the sun captured by plants,

algae, and some bacteria through the process of photosynthesis. This energy is in the form of packets of light called photons.

Photosynthesis takes place in 3 stages: 1. Capturing energy from sunlight 2. Using the energy to make ATP and NADPH 3. Using the ATP and NADPH to power the synthesis of carbohydrates using carbon dioxide from the air. Stages one and two occur in what is known as the light dependent reactions, and stage three in the light independent reactions. Photosynthesis occurs within the plasma membrane of certain types of bacteria, the cells of algae, and within chloroplast in plant cells.

Structure of chloroplasts The chloroplast is a prominent organelle in typical plant cells. It is an oval shaped structure surrounded by a double membrane or envelope. It has internal membranes organized into flattened sacs called thylakoids. At certain points, numerous thylakoids are stacked in certain columns called grana. In the thylakoid membranes chlorophyll pigments are grouped in a light harvesting complex known as a photosystem. Surrounding the thylakoid membrane system is a gel like substance with certain enzymes known as the stroma. The thylakoid membrane system is the site of the light dependent reactions and the stroma is the site of the light independent reactions. (Page 201 of Biology science 1 and 2)

(Draw a diagram of the chloroplast in your book)

Photosystems The photosystem is the starting point of photosynthesis, acting as an antenna to capture photons. It consists of pigment molecules embedded in a protein complex in the thylakoid membrane. A pigment molecule is a molecule that absorbs light. The primary pigment molecule in most photosystems is chlorophyll. Chlorophyll molecules capture photons with a magnesium ion which lies at the centre of a complex carbon ring. Photons excite electrons of the magnesium ion which are then channeled away by the carbon atoms.

Plants also contain other pigment molecules which absorb light of wavelengths not captured by chlorophyll. These pigments are known as accessory pigments. The carotenoids are a group of accessory pigments that capture violet to blue and green light. Accessory pigments give color to flowers, fruits and vegetables but are also present in leaves however their presence is masked by chlorophyll. In the photosystem, the pigment molecules are arranged so that a photon of light can strike any molecule. The photosystem channels the excitation energy gathered by any one of its pigment molecules to a specific chlorophyll A molecule which is found in the reaction centre. Plants and algae use two photosystems, namely photosystems 1 and 2. Photosystem 2 contains the chlorophyll A molecule whose maximum absorption peak is at 680 nano metres and the chlorophyll A in photosystem 1 has its maximum absorption peak at 700 nano metres.

Hw.

1. A. With the aid of a large labeled diagram, describe how the structure of the chloroplast is suited to its function (12 marks). B. Describe the role of light in photosynthesis (8 marks). (2 lines= about one mark) (use diagrams)