Find a natural place that you have visited or want to visit. Name the place. b. List two photoautotrophs in the place. List three heterotrophs in the place. 3. Below is the summary equation of photosynthesis. How is the input/output of photosynthesis related to cellular respiration? 6CO2 + 6H2O→ C6H12O6+6020
The overall goal of photosynthesis is to make harness the energy of the sun and store it in the chemical bonds of “food.” In your own words describe the goals of the two sets of reactions of photosynthesis: a. The goal of the light reactions b. The goal of the Calvin cycle 5. Light is a form of electromagnetic energy. Electromagnetic spectrum is made of various forms of electromagnetic energy, such as x-rays, UV, and microwaves. Visible light is used in photosynthesis. What is visible light? How are energy and wavelength related to each other? 6. Chlorophyll is the pigment of photosynthesis. Which light is absorbed and is not?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
2. Natural Place and Organisms
a. Place: Yellowstone National Park, USA.
b. Photoautotrophs:
- Pine trees – These trees are primary producers that use sunlight to create energy through photosynthesis.
- Mosses – Often found in shaded areas, mosses use sunlight to produce energy and contribute to the park’s ecosystem.
c. Heterotrophs:
- Bison – These large herbivores feed on grasses and other plants in the park.
- Wolves – Carnivores that hunt herbivores such as bison or elk.
- Grizzly bears – Omnivores that feed on berries, fish, and small mammals.
3. Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are complementary processes. The output of photosynthesis serves as the input for cellular respiration, and vice versa. In photosynthesis, plants convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2) using the energy from sunlight. This glucose serves as a form of chemical energy that can be used by both the plant itself and the organisms that consume it.
In cellular respiration, organisms break down glucose into carbon dioxide and water to release energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This process takes place in mitochondria and is essentially the reverse of photosynthesis. The oxygen produced in photosynthesis is used in cellular respiration, and the carbon dioxide released in cellular respiration is used in photosynthesis.
4. Photosynthesis Reactions
a. Goal of the Light Reactions: The goal of the light reactions is to convert solar energy into chemical energy. This process occurs in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts, where chlorophyll absorbs light. The absorbed light energy splits water molecules, releasing oxygen and transferring energy to molecules like ATP and NADPH. These molecules store energy, which will be used in the next stage of photosynthesis, the Calvin cycle.
b. Goal of the Calvin Cycle: The goal of the Calvin cycle is to use the energy stored in ATP and NADPH (from the light reactions) to fix carbon dioxide into glucose. This cycle occurs in the stroma of the chloroplasts and doesn’t require light. It involves a series of enzyme-driven reactions that eventually result in the production of glucose, which the plant can store or use as energy.
5. Visible Light and Energy-Wavelength Relationship
What is visible light? Visible light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that the human eye can detect, ranging from about 380 nm (violet) to 750 nm (red) in wavelength. It is the energy source for photosynthesis in plants.
Energy and Wavelength Relationship: The energy of electromagnetic radiation is inversely related to its wavelength. This means that the shorter the wavelength, the higher the energy. For example, violet light has a shorter wavelength and more energy compared to red light, which has a longer wavelength and lower energy. In photosynthesis, plants primarily absorb light in the blue and red wavelengths, as these have higher energy and are most effective for driving the process.
6. Chlorophyll and Light Absorption
Which light is absorbed and not absorbed by chlorophyll? Chlorophyll primarily absorbs light in the blue (430-450 nm) and red (640-680 nm) regions of the spectrum. It reflects and transmits light in the green region (500-570 nm), which is why plants appear green. The absorbed light provides the energy necessary for photosynthesis, while the green light is reflected, which is why we see the green color in plants.
Conclusion:
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are interdependent processes. Photosynthesis stores energy in the form of glucose using light, while cellular respiration releases that energy to fuel biological functions. The light reactions and Calvin cycle work together to convert light energy into chemical energy. Visible light plays a crucial role in photosynthesis, with energy being absorbed by chlorophyll to drive the process.