Write the summary reaction for photosynthesis. Then make a graphic organizer around this equation to show the origin of each of the components of the reaction, the role of each component in the light-dependent and/ or light-independent reactions, and the relationship among the components of the reaction.
Question:
TOPIC: PHOTOSYNTHESIS
A graphic organizer is a visual and graphic display that depicts the relationships
between facts, terms, and or ideas within a learning task. It is also known as a
knowledge map, concept map, story map, cognitive organizer, advance organizer, or
concept diagram.
TASK: Write the summary reaction for photosynthesis. Then make a graphic organizer
around this equation to show the origin of each of the components of the reaction, the
role of each component in the light-dependent and/ or light-independent reactions, and
the relationship among the components of the reaction.
.
INSTRUCTIONS:
The graphic organizer should include the required components and images that represent
Photosynthesis.
The graphic organizer should be informative, creative, colourful and attractive. ∙ The
major considerations for the evaluation are summary content, knowledge of the topic,
and its application, neatness, organization and creativity. A rubric is attached for more
information.
Research the topic thoroughly by using various resources of information, such as
books, journals, lesson notes and other online resources to understand the concept
more clearly.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Summary Reaction for Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy stored in glucose. The overall chemical equation for photosynthesis is:
[
6CO_2 + 6H_2O + light \, energy \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2
]
This means that carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O), using light energy, are transformed into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂).
Explanation of the Components:
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): This gas is absorbed from the atmosphere through the stomata (small pores) of the leaves. It is a key component in the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) where it is fixed into an organic form and used to build glucose.
- Water (H₂O): Water is absorbed by the roots from the soil and travels through the plant to the leaves. During the light-dependent reactions, water molecules are split to release oxygen (O₂) and provide electrons for the production of ATP and NADPH.
- Light Energy: Light energy from the sun is captured by chlorophyll (a pigment in chloroplasts). This energy powers the light-dependent reactions, where ATP and NADPH are produced and used in the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle).
- Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆): The primary product of photosynthesis, glucose is a simple sugar that stores energy. It can be used by the plant for growth, reproduction, and energy, or it can be stored as starch.
- Oxygen (O₂): Oxygen is released as a by-product of the splitting of water molecules during the light-dependent reactions. This oxygen is released into the atmosphere.
Graphic Organizer: Photosynthesis Breakdown
To create a graphic organizer, divide it into two main parts to represent the light-dependent and light-independent reactions. Here’s a suggestion on how to break it down:
- Light-Dependent Reactions (Occurs in the Thylakoid Membranes):
- Inputs: Water (H₂O), Light energy
- Outputs: Oxygen (O₂), ATP, NADPH
- Components involved:
- Water (H₂O): Splits into O₂, releasing electrons and hydrogen ions (H⁺).
- Light energy: Absorbed by chlorophyll, which excites electrons and powers the production of ATP and NADPH.
- ATP & NADPH: These are energy carriers that store energy needed for the Calvin cycle.
- Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle) (Occurs in the Stroma):
- Inputs: Carbon dioxide (CO₂), ATP, NADPH
- Outputs: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆)
- Components involved:
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂): Fixed into organic molecules to form glucose.
- ATP & NADPH: Provide the necessary energy for the conversion of CO₂ into glucose.
Relationship Between Components:
- The light-dependent reactions generate ATP and NADPH, which are required for the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) to fix CO₂ into glucose.
- The glucose produced in the Calvin cycle is the main product of photosynthesis, while the oxygen produced during the light-dependent reactions is released into the atmosphere as a by-product.
- Water is split in the light-dependent reactions to provide the necessary electrons and hydrogen ions (H⁺), and in turn, oxygen is released.
This organizer would feature images of:
- A sun to represent light energy.
- Water molecules (H₂O) being split in the light-dependent reactions.
- Chlorophyll and the thylakoid membranes where light reactions take place.
- Stroma where the Calvin cycle occurs.
- Oxygen and glucose molecules as products.