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Photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and energy in the form of sugar.
Learning materials, instructional links.
Most life on Earth depends on photosynthesis .The process is carried out by plants, algae, and some types of bacteria, which capture energy from sunlight to produce oxygen (O 2 ) and chemical energy stored in glucose (a sugar). Herbivores then obtain this energy by eating plants, and carnivores obtain it by eating herbivores.
The process
During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and water (H 2 O) from the air and soil. Within the plant cell, the water is oxidized, meaning it loses electrons, while the carbon dioxide is reduced, meaning it gains electrons. This transforms the water into oxygen and the carbon dioxide into glucose. The plant then releases the oxygen back into the air, and stores energy within the glucose molecules.
Chlorophyll
Inside the plant cell are small organelles called chloroplasts , which store the energy of sunlight. Within the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast is a light-absorbing pigment called chlorophyll , which is responsible for giving the plant its green color. During photosynthesis , chlorophyll absorbs energy from blue- and red-light waves, and reflects green-light waves, making the plant appear green.
Light-dependent Reactions vs. Light-independent Reactions
While there are many steps behind the process of photosynthesis, it can be broken down into two major stages: light-dependent reactions and light-independent reactions. The light-dependent reaction takes place within the thylakoid membrane and requires a steady stream of sunlight, hence the name light- dependent reaction. The chlorophyll absorbs energy from the light waves, which is converted into chemical energy in the form of the molecules ATP and NADPH . The light-independent stage, also known as the Calvin cycle , takes place in the stroma , the space between the thylakoid membranes and the chloroplast membranes, and does not require light, hence the name light- independent reaction. During this stage, energy from the ATP and NADPH molecules is used to assemble carbohydrate molecules, like glucose, from carbon dioxide.
C3 and C4 Photosynthesis
Not all forms of photosynthesis are created equal, however. There are different types of photosynthesis, including C3 photosynthesis and C4 photosynthesis. C3 photosynthesis is used by the majority of plants. It involves producing a three-carbon compound called 3-phosphoglyceric acid during the Calvin Cycle, which goes on to become glucose. C4 photosynthesis, on the other hand, produces a four-carbon intermediate compound, which splits into carbon dioxide and a three-carbon compound during the Calvin Cycle. A benefit of C4 photosynthesis is that by producing higher levels of carbon, it allows plants to thrive in environments without much light or water. The National Geographic Society is making this content available under a Creative Commons CC-BY-NC-SA license . The License excludes the National Geographic Logo (meaning the words National Geographic + the Yellow Border Logo) and any images that are included as part of each content piece. For clarity the Logo and images may not be removed, altered, or changed in any way.
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Students are often asked to write an essay on Photosynthesis in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.
Let’s take a look…
What is photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is how plants make their own food using sunlight. It happens in the leaves of plants. Tiny parts inside the leaves, called chloroplasts, use sunlight to turn water and carbon dioxide from the air into sugar and oxygen. The sugar is food for the plant.
The main things needed for photosynthesis are sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. Roots soak up water from the soil. Leaves take in carbon dioxide from the air. Then, using sunlight, plants create food and release oxygen.
In the chloroplasts, sunlight energy is changed into chemical energy. This energy turns water and carbon dioxide into glucose, a type of sugar. Oxygen is made too, which goes into the air for us to breathe.
Photosynthesis is vital for life on Earth. It gives us food and oxygen. Without it, there would be no plants, and without plants, animals and people would not survive. It also helps take in carbon dioxide, which is good for the Earth.
Why is photosynthesis important.
This process is very important because it is the main way plants make food for themselves and for us, too. Without photosynthesis, plants could not grow, and without plants, animals and humans would not have oxygen to breathe or food to eat.
Photosynthesis happens in two main stages. In the first stage, the plant captures sunlight with its leaves. The sunlight gives the plant energy to split water inside its leaves into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is released into the air, and the hydrogen is used in the next stage.
In the second stage, the plant mixes the hydrogen with carbon dioxide from the air to make glucose, which is a type of sugar that plants use for energy. This energy helps the plant to grow, make flowers, and produce seeds.
Photosynthesis is a key part of the cycle of life on Earth. By making food and oxygen, plants support life for all creatures. When animals eat plants, they get the energy from the plants, and when animals breathe, they use the oxygen that plants release. It’s a beautiful cycle that keeps the planet alive.
Photosynthesis is a process used by plants, algae, and some bacteria to turn sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into food and oxygen. This happens in the green parts of plants, mainly the leaves. The green color comes from chlorophyll, a special substance in the leaves that captures sunlight.
The photosynthesis recipe.
When sunlight hits the leaves, the chlorophyll captures it and starts the food-making process. The energy from the sunlight turns water and carbon dioxide into glucose, a type of sugar that plants use for energy, and oxygen, which is released into the air. This process is like a recipe that plants follow to make their own food.
Photosynthesis is very important for life on Earth. It gives us oxygen, which we need to breathe. Plants use the glucose they make for growth and to build other important substances like cellulose, which they use to make their cell walls. Without photosynthesis, there would be no food for animals or people, and no oxygen to breathe.
Photosynthesis and the food chain.
All living things need energy to survive, and this energy usually comes from food. Plants are at the bottom of the food chain because they can make their own food using photosynthesis. Animals that eat plants get energy from the glucose in the plants. Then, animals that eat other animals get this energy too. So, photosynthesis is the start of the food chain that feeds almost every living thing on Earth.
Photosynthesis affects our lives in many ways. It gives us fruits, vegetables, and grains to eat. Trees and plants also give us wood, paper, and other materials. Plus, they provide shade and help make the air fresh and clean.
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Home — Essay Samples — Science — Biology — Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a crucial process that occurs in plants, algae, and some bacteria, allowing them to convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This process is essential for the survival of nearly all living organisms on Earth, as it provides the primary source of energy for the food chain and produces the oxygen we breathe. As such, photosynthesis is a fascinating and important topic for study and research. In this essay, we will explore a wide range of photosynthesis essay topics, providing a comprehensive resource for students and researchers interested in this vital biological process.
Understanding photosynthesis is crucial for numerous reasons. Firstly, it allows us to appreciate the incredible complexity and efficiency of the natural world. Photosynthesis is a fundamental process that underpins the entire ecosystem, and studying it can provide valuable insights into the interconnectedness of life on Earth. Furthermore, photosynthesis has significant implications for agriculture and food production, as well as for addressing environmental challenges such as climate change and air pollution. By delving into the various aspects of photosynthesis, researchers can uncover new ways to improve crop yields, develop sustainable energy sources, and mitigate the impacts of human activity on the environment.
When selecting a photosynthesis essay topic, it is important to consider your specific interests and goals. There are countless facets of photosynthesis to explore, from the biochemical mechanisms of light capture and carbon fixation to the ecological and evolutionary implications of this process. If you are interested in biochemistry and molecular biology, you might choose a topic related to the enzymes and molecular structures involved in photosynthesis. Alternatively, if you are more intrigued by environmental science and ecology, you could explore the role of photosynthesis in ecosystems and its interactions with other biogeochemical cycles. Ultimately, the best topic for you will be one that aligns with your passions and allows you to make a meaningful contribution to the field of photosynthesis research.
Photosynthesis is a vast and multifaceted topic that offers numerous opportunities for study and exploration. Whether you are a student, a researcher, or simply someone with a curious mind, there is no shortage of intriguing photosynthesis essay topics to delve into. By delving into the various aspects of photosynthesis, researchers can uncover new ways to improve crop yields, develop sustainable energy sources, and mitigate the impacts of human activity on the environment.
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Photosynthesis is one of the primary sources of energy for living organisms. The fossilized photosynthetic fuels account for almost 90% of the energy in the world (Johnson, 2016). Cellular respiration is a process that takes place in the living organism and converts nutrients into energy. This essay will examine photosynthesis and cellular respiration separately and identify similarities, differences, and interconnectedness between two processes. Two processes are similar in that they both deals with energy, but they are different because one process involves catabolic reactions and another anabolic one.
The purpose of photosynthesis is to convert atmospheric carbon dioxide into carbohydrates using light energy. The light splits one of the reactants, water in the mesophyll of the leaf into oxygen, electrons, and protons during the light-dependent phase (Johnson, 2016). Then carbon dioxide enters the mesophyll of the leaf through openings, stomata, during the light-independent phase. These two reactions differ in light utilization and molecules production. The first reaction products are oxygen, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) that are used as energy storages, while by the end of the second reaction, the carbohydrate is obtained, and molecules mentioned above are used (Flügge et al., 2016). Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplast with the light-dependent reaction taking place in the thylakoid membrane, and light-independent reaction in the stroma. The energy produced in the light reaction is used to fix carbon dioxide and produce carbohydrates while oxygen is released outside. According to the following equation of the photosynthesis, C → O2 + 2H20 + photons (CH2O)n + electrons + O2 carbon monoxide and water are transferred into carbohydrates under the light with the release of atmospheric oxygen.
The purpose of cellular respiration is to convert nutrients into energy. The reactants of the respiration are glucose circulating in the blood and oxygen obtained from breathing, while the product is ATP. Cellular respiration starts from glycolysis in the mitochondria’s stroma, where the glucose is broken down into pyruvate (Bentley & Connaughton, 2017). Then it continues with the citric acid cycle that generates ATP, NADH, and FADH2. In the final stage, the electron transport chain uses these molecules to generate more ATP. The energy produced is then used for metabolic processes in the organism, while carbon dioxide is released with breathing (BBC Bitesize, n.d.). According to the following equation of the cellular respiration, C → 6H12O6 + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O the glucose is broken down into carbon dioxide and water with the presence of oxygen.
There are two main differences between photosynthesis and cellular respiration. The first one is the anabolic process, during which complex compounds are synthesized, while the second one is catabolic, which involves breaking down the compounds (Panawala, 2017). The second crucial difference is that photosynthesis is found only in chloroplasts, while cellular respiration is found in any living cell, making it a universal process. There are also two main similarities between photosynthesis and respiration. The first similarity is that both processes involve the production of ATP (Stauffer et al., 2018). The second similarity is that both processes utilize ATP but for different purposes.
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are connected in such a way that they allow to perform metabolic functions normally. Moreover, these processes help to regulate the concentration of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. If photosynthesis stopped occurring, the level of oxygen would drop dramatically This would lead to deaths of all living organisms whose lives depend on this molecule. Whereas if cellular respiration stopped happening, living creatures would not be able to generate energy and sustain life.
To conclude, photosynthesis plays a crucial role in maintaining life on Earth. Photosynthesis uses light energy to produce oxygen, while cellular respiration uses oxygen to break down complex molecules and provide energy. These processes are different in their metabolic nature, but similar in terms of energy storage. If photosynthesis did not exist, the life for oxygen-dependent creatures would become extinct. Similarly, in the case of cellular respiration disappearing, living organisms would not be able to produce energy.
BBC Bitesize . (n.d.). Respiration. 2020. Web.
Bentley, M., & Connaughton, V, P. (2017). A simple way for students to visualize cellular respiration: Adapting the board game MousetrapTM to model complexity . CourseSource. 4, 1-6. Web.
Flügge, W., Westhoff, P., & Leister, D. (2016). Recent advances in understanding photosynthesis. F1000 Research, 5, 1-10.
Johnson, M. P. (2016). Photosynthesis. Essays Biochemistry , 60 (3), 255-273.
Panawala, L. (2017). Difference between photosynthesis and respiration. IE PEDIAA. Web.
Stauffer S., Gardner A., Ungu D.A.K., López-Córdoba A., & Heim M. (2018). Cellular respiration. In Labster virtual lab experiments: Basic biology (pp. 43-55). Springer.
IvyPanda. (2022, February 21). Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration. https://ivypanda.com/essays/photosynthesis-and-cellular-respiration/
"Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration." IvyPanda , 21 Feb. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/photosynthesis-and-cellular-respiration/.
IvyPanda . (2022) 'Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration'. 21 February.
IvyPanda . 2022. "Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration." February 21, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/photosynthesis-and-cellular-respiration/.
1. IvyPanda . "Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration." February 21, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/photosynthesis-and-cellular-respiration/.
Bibliography
IvyPanda . "Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration." February 21, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/photosynthesis-and-cellular-respiration/.
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Looking for a good essay, research or speech topic on Photosynthesis? Check our list of 83 interesting Photosynthesis title ideas to write about!
Explore the fascinating world of photosynthesis with the best essay topics suggested below. The recommended topics will be ideal for students and researchers seeking to delve into the science, importance, and applications of this vital biological process.
photosynthesis, the process by which green plants and certain other organisms transform light energy into chemical energy. During photosynthesis in green plants, light energy is captured and used to convert water, carbon dioxide, and minerals into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds.
Photosynthesis is one of the most fundamental biological reactions. The chlorophyll bearing plants trap the free energy of sunlight as photons and transform and store it as chemical potential energy by combining CO 2 and water.
Photosynthesis is the ultimate source of all of humankind's food and oxygen, whereas fossilized photosynthetic fuels provide ∼87% of the world's energy. It is the biochemical process that sustains the biosphere as the basis for the food chain.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and energy in the form of sugar.
Photosynthesis evolved as a way to store the energy in solar radiation as high-energy electrons in carbohydrate molecules. Plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, known as photoautotrophs, are the only organisms capable of performing photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is a process used by plants, algae, and some bacteria to turn sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into food and oxygen. This happens in the green parts of plants, mainly the leaves. The green color comes from chlorophyll, a special substance in the leaves that captures sunlight.
When selecting a photosynthesis essay topic, it is important to consider your specific interests and goals. There are countless facets of photosynthesis to explore, from the biochemical mechanisms of light capture and carbon fixation to the ecological and evolutionary implications of this process.
Photosynthesis uses light energy to produce oxygen, while cellular respiration uses oxygen to break down complex molecules and provide energy. These processes are different in their metabolic nature, but similar in terms of energy storage.