Download Chlorophyll and Light Absorption

8-2 Photosynthesis: An
Overview
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Questions for the lessons.
What things do plants need to
conduct photosynthesis?
What things are given off from
the plant as a result of
photosynthesis?
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Questions
What is chlorophyll?
Why are plants green?
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8-2 Photosynthesis: An Overview
Light
energy
6 CO2 + 6
H2O
Carbon dioxide Water
C6H12O6
Photosynthesis
+ 6
O2
Glucose Oxygen gas
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8-2 Photosynthesis: An Overview
The Photosynthesis
Equation
The Photosynthesis Equation
The equation for photosynthesis is:
6CO2 + 6H2O
Light
carbon dioxide + water
C6H12O6 + 6O2
Light
sugars + oxygen
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8-2 Photosynthesis: An Overview
The Photosynthesis
Equation
Photosynthesis uses the energy of
sunlight to convert water and carbon
dioxide into high-energy sugars and
oxygen.
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8-2 Photosynthesis: An Overview
Light and Pigments
Light and Pigments
How do plants capture the energy of sunlight?
In addition to water and carbon dioxide,
photosynthesis requires light and
chlorophyll.
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8-2 Photosynthesis: An Overview
Light and Pigments
Plants gather the sun's energy with light-absorbing
molecules called pigments.
The main pigment in plants is chlorophyll.
There are two main types of chlorophyll:
• chlorophyll a
• chlorophyll b
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8-2 Photosynthesis: An Overview
Light and Pigments
Estimated Absorption (%)
Chlorophyll absorbs light well in the blue-violet and
red regions of the visible spectrum.
100
80
60
Chlorophyll b
Chlorophyll a
40
20
0
(nm)
400 450 Wavelength
500 550 600
650 700 750
Wavelength (nm)
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8-2 Photosynthesis: An Overview
Light and Pigments
Estimated Absorption (%)
Chlorophyll does not absorb light well in the green
region of the spectrum. Green light is reflected by
leaves, which is why plants look green.
100
80
60
Chlorophyll b
Chlorophyll a
40
20
0
400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750
Wavelength (nm)
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8-2 Photosynthesis: An Overview
Light and Pigments
Light is a form of energy, so any compound that
absorbs light also absorbs energy from that light.
1.chlorophyll absorbs light
2.energy is transferred directly to electrons in the
chlorophyll molecule,
3.raising the energy levels of these electrons.
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8-2 Photosynthesis: An Overview
What are the reactants
Of photosynthesis?
What are the products
Of photosynthesis
Why are plants green?
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END OF SECTION