Download Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis:
The Making of Glucose – More
Precious Than Gold
Photosynthesis
The Narrative
Throughout the ages, gold has been
considered a valuable resource. It has adorned
the ancient Egyptians, been fought over in
wars, and caused the mass migration known
as the “Gold Rush”. It has even been the topic
of fairytales. Remember the story of
Rumplestiltskin, where a little man was able to
spin straw into gold?
Bellwork
• What deal did Rumplestiltskin make
with the poor farm girl?
• Explain in detail what Rumplestiltskin
did.
• Was the girl successful at achieving
her goal, and what was her goal?
Photosynthesis
Well photosynthesis allows plants and
other organisms to take what is
commonplace- sunlight, water, and
carbon dioxide– and turn them into
gold.
Photosynthesis: The Chemical Equation
• Words:
Carbon dioxide + Water + Sunlight → Sugars + Oxygen
• Chemical Formula:
6CO2 + 6H2O + Sunlight → C6H12O6 + 6O2
The Sun
• The sun is the
ultimate source of
energy for all living
things either directly
or indirectly.
• Organisms that use
sunlight to make
sugars are called
autotrophs.
Photosynthesis
• Autotrophs are able to
capture the energy from
sunlight through the
process of photosynthesis
and store it within the
bonds of sugars such as
glucose.
• This process occurs in two
stages:
• Light Reactions
• Dark Reactions
Where does it happen?
• The process of photosynthesis occurs in the
chloroplast.
• Chloroplasts appear green because of the
pigment chlorophyll.
• Light reactions occur in the
thylakoid.
• Dark reactions occur in the
stroma.
Glucose
• The light and dark
reactions of
photosynthesis
combine to make
glucose, the product
enriched with the
energy of the sun.
The Light Reactions
• 6CO2 + 6H2O + sunlight → C6H12O6 + 6O2
• In the Light Reactions of photosynthesis water is
split in the process of photolysis, releasing
oxygen, hydrogen protons, and electrons.
The Dark Reactions
The “Dark Reactions”
use the energy of the
light reactions and
carbon dioxide to
make glucose.
C6H12O6
Summary of Photosynthesis
6CO2 + 6H2O + Sunlight → C6H12O6 + 6O2