This week we have been learning about an amazing process that goes on in plant cells known as photosynthesis. This process uses the suns energy to make energy for the plant. In general terms, what happens in photosynthesis begins with the chlorophyll in chloroplasts in a plant cell absorbing the suns rays or photons. Then they convert the light energy into chemical energy which they can store as sugars at the end of this process. There are two parts to achieving this. They are the light reactions and the Calvin cycle which is light independent. One of the amazing things about this process is that it is, as far as I know the only one that can oxidize water molecules into their electron, proton and oxygen. Oxygen is also released when CO2 is oxidized for the use of the carbons. This oxygen can then be used for our breathing needs. Another astonishing thing about photosynthesis is the rates at which it happens. You can learn more about how the two steps in photosynthesis work in this jing video about photosynthesis!
There are somethings however that i think might effect the rates of photosynthesis. I think that the temperature of the area around the plant might have some effect on it and that plants in different climates might go through photosynthesis more or less. I also believe that the strength of the sunlight would as well as in how intense the sunlight is and whether its coming through clouds or not.
Thank you so much Peter, your jing has cleared up many issues for me. What exactly are photons?
ReplyDeletePeter,
ReplyDeleteI really like your blog post. Your explanations of the Light Reaction and Calvin Cycle were really good. I really like the picture on the left side of the first slide. The picture was really helpful in understanding the inputs and outputs of photosynthesis!
-Shelby