BIOL 1F90 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Chlorophyll, Light-Independent Reactions, Leaf
11 Nov 2017
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Document Summary
Photosynthesis energy from light is captured and used to synthesize glucose and other organic molecules. Glucose synthesis: 6 co2 + 12 h2o + light energy c6h12o6 + 6 o2 + 6 h2o. This is a redox reaction: co2 is reduced during the formation of glucose, h2o is oxidized during the formation of o2. The reaction is endergonic: energy required for 1 mole of glucose = 685 kcal/mol, reaction driven by light energy. Heterotroph: must consume organic molecules from their environment to sustain life. Autotroph: sustain themselves by making organic molecules from inorganic sources, a photoautotroph uses light as a source of energy, e. g. Life in the biosphere is largely driven by the photosynthetic power of green plants. Most species rely on an energy cycle: plants use photosynthesis to produce organic molecules and oxygen, organic molecules and oxygen are used by cells in cellular respiration to produce energy in the form of atp.
