"Photosynthesis is a biological process used by many cellular organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy, which is stored in organic compounds..."
A biological process which involves the conversion of light energy and carbon dioxide into energy and organic molecules.
Chloroplasts: The organelles in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.
Light wavelengths: The different wavelengths of light that are absorbed and used by plants during photosynthesis.
Pigments: The various types of pigments, such as chlorophyll, that are important for photosynthesis.
Light reactions: The initial stage of photosynthesis that involves the absorption of light and the conversion of it into chemical energy.
Electromagnetic spectrum: The spectrum of light that includes visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared light.
Photosystems: The two photosystems that are involved in the light reactions of photosynthesis.
Electron transport chain: The chain of proteins that transport electrons during photosynthesis.
ATP Synthase: The enzyme that produces ATP during the light reactions of photosynthesis.
Calvin Cycle: The second stage of photosynthesis which involves the conversion of carbon dioxide into sugars.
Carbon fixation: The process by which carbon dioxide is captured and converted into organic compounds.
RuBisCO: The enzyme that catalyzes the first step of the Calvin Cycle.
Stroma: The fluid that fills the inner membrane of the chloroplast.
Thylakoid: The disk-like structures that make up the inner membrane of the chloroplast.
Electron donors and acceptors: The molecules that donate and accept electrons during the light reactions of photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis and respiration: The relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration.
Environmental factors: The factors that affect photosynthesis, such as light intensity, temperature, and carbon dioxide levels.
Evolution of photosynthesis: The history of the evolution of photosynthesis and its importance in the development of life on Earth.
Alternative forms of photosynthesis: The different types of photosynthesis that occur in different organisms, such as cyanobacteria and green sulfur bacteria.
Photosynthesis in extreme environments: The adaptation of photosynthesis to extreme environments, such as deep sea hydrothermal vents or high altitude environments.
Applications of photosynthesis: The various applications of photosynthesis, such as in biofuels, bioremediation, and food production.
Oxygenic photosynthesis: This is the most common type of photosynthesis found in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. It uses water as the electron donor and generates oxygen as a byproduct. The general chemical equation of oxygenic photosynthesis is 6CO2 + 6H2O + energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2.
Anoxygenic photosynthesis: This is a less common type of photosynthesis that occurs mainly in anoxygenic bacteria. It involves the use of alternative electron donors like sulfur, iron, and hydrogen instead of water. Unlike oxygenic photosynthesis, it does not produce oxygen as a byproduct.
Heliobacterial photosynthesis: This is a unique type of photosynthesis that occurs in heliobacteria. It involves the use of bacteriochlorophylls and a type of reaction center called the P840 in a different way than other bacteria. The electron donor is sulfur and the final electron acceptor is located within the cell wall, making heliobacterial photosynthesis quite different from both oxygenic and anoxygenic photosynthesis.