The Process Of Photosynthesis And The Process Of Photosynthesis

Introduction

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and other organisms such as photosynthetic bacteria, algae and protists make their food. All organisms that undergo photosynthesis can be called photoautotrophs. In the food making process, the organism uses sunlight energy trapped by leaves and converts it into chemical energy. This chemical energy is then utilised as a drive force for the synthesis of organic products such as glucose. ¹The best known form of photosynthesis is the one carried out by higher plants and algae, as well as by cyanobacteria and their relatives, which are responsible for a major part of photosynthesis in oceans, Wim Vermaas 1998. The photosynthetic process can be written in a simple equation; 6H2O + energy (eˉ) 6CO2 -> C6H12O6+ 6O2. In anoxygenic photosynthesis however, light energy is used by other types of bacteria but in their case O is not a product. At a molecular level, these organisms use CO2 and H2O along with the energy obtained from the sun to undergo a series of complex reactions before they arrive at the end product of the desired carbohydrate.

Materials

The main components needed for these reactions are obtained from various sources. CO₂ is the main source for the carbon required. The electrons needed as a source of energy for the reaction is obtained from photolysis, the splitting of water molecules by sunlight. Other products of photolysis include protons (H+) which will later be used to build the organic molecules and oxygen. The oxygen produced at this stage is then released into the atmosphere as a waste product, which humans and animals use in respiration. On the other hand, anoxic photosynthesis also occur but mainly in dead zone areas such as the bottom of the sea where ther...

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... loss of leaves and in some cases the plant may even die. On the other hand, there is non-stomatal limitation which refers to a reduction in a plant’s ability to photosynthesise which may reduce the plant’s ability to grow to its full potential. This may include the transportation of electrons, Rubisco activity and the chlorophyll content. All three of these are crucial for the process of photosynthesis.

Conclusion

Photosynthesis is essential for the reason that all living things depend on it in some way. It is the main mechanism for transferring energy from sunlight into a more useful form to be used by plants and animals. The process of photosynthesis simply will not occur if any of the materials needed are not present. Water has proven to be the most crucial element needed in photosynthesis as it has devastating effects when not present in the required amounts.