Photosynthesis

SCIE 206 UNIT 2 IP

Ann Pierce

AIU Online

April 6, 2014

Abstract

Photosynthesis is the biological process where light energy is converted into chemical energy by organisms. The cycle of photosynthesis and cellular respiration are one large cycle that is necessary for life. Both are necessary for life to continue on earth.

SCIE 206 UNIT 2 IP

Photosynthesis is the biological process where light energy is converted into chemical energy by organisms. Plants contain chloroplasts which allow them to convert the sun’s energy into sugars while releasing oxygen as a by-product. (Editorial Board, 2012) Chloroplasts are organelles found in plant cells and algae. Every plant you see is converting the energy of the sun into sugars. Plants create sugars by using the sun’s energy to convert water and carbon dioxide to sugar, and the end-product of that process is the oxygen that we breathe.” That process happens in the chloroplast.” (Chloroplasts) The sugar is then converted to adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This is called cellular respiration. This process also releases carbon dioxide in to the air.

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are dependent on each other because each produces what the other process needs. During cellular respiration oxygen is used and carbon dioxide is released in the air as a byproduct. During photosynthesis the carbon dioxide is used and oxygen is released.

Photosynthesis There are two phases to photosynthesis, the light reactions and the dark reactions. In the light reactions, the sun’s energy is absorbed by the plant cell and is turned into energy. In the dark reactions, the plant cells use this energy to create sugars and starch. (Editorial Board, 2012)

Light is used to help form the chemical in chloroplasts that produce ATP. The energy of ATP is stored in the bonds that hold the molecule together. When a cell...