Photosynthesis

Process in which light energy is converted to chemical energy in carbohydrates.

Chloroplasts of plant cells (primarily mesophyll cells).

6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂.

Membrane sacs containing chlorophyll and light-reaction components.

Fluid inside chloroplast where Calvin Cycle occurs.

Occur in thylakoid membranes; produce ATP and NADPH from light.

Occur in stroma; use ATP and NADPH to fix CO₂ into G3P.

Main pigment absorbing blue and red light for photosynthesis.

Carotenoids and others that expand light absorption range.

Captures light, splits water (photolysis), and provides electrons to ETC.

Re-energizes electrons to reduce NADP⁺ → NADPH.

Splitting of H₂O into O₂, electrons, and protons in PSII.

Uses proton gradient from ETC to make ATP.

Enzyme that fixes CO₂ to RuBP in Calvin Cycle.

5-carbon compound that binds CO₂ to begin carbon fixation.

3-carbon product of Calvin Cycle used to form glucose.

Use Calvin Cycle directly for carbon fixation.

Fix CO₂ into 4C malate in mesophyll cells → transfer to bundle sheath for Calvin Cycle.

Fix CO₂ at night when stomata open; store as organic acids for daytime Calvin Cycle.

Leaf pores for gas exchange; open for CO₂ intake and O₂ release.

Wasteful process when RuBisCO binds O₂ instead of CO₂ in C3 plants.