Question

Explain the process of photosynthesis in at least 5 steps. Include the terms: Glucose, carbon dioxide, oxygen, water, light energy. List 3 things that DO perform photosynthesis and 1 thing that does not perform photosynthesis.

Answer 1

Photosynthesis is a complex process that converts light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and oxygen. It begins with light absorption by chlorophyll, followed by water splitting, oxygen release, carbon fixation, and ends with glucose production. Organisms such as plants, algae, and cyanobacteria perform photosynthesis, while fungi do not.

Step-by-step explanation:

Process of Photosynthesis in 5 Steps

1. Light Absorption: Chlorophyll within the chloroplasts absorbs light energy from the sun.
2. Water Splitting: This absorbed energy is used to split water (H₂O) molecules into hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
3. Oxygen Release: The oxygen produced from water splitting is released into the atmosphere as a byproduct.
4. Carbon Fixation: The light-dependent reactions generate ATP and NADPH, which are then used in the Calvin Cycle where carbon dioxide (CO₂) is fixed to create the 3-carbon molecule, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (GA3P).
5. Glucose Production: Multiple GA3P molecules are combined to form glucose, which serves as energy storage for the cell.

Examples of organisms that perform photosynthesis include plants, algae, and certain bacteria like cyanobacteria. However, fungi do not perform photosynthesis.