Photosynthesis

Light is one type of electromagnetic radiation

Different colors of light have different wavelengths

Color is a function of the wavelengths of light reflected by an object

Terminology:

Chloroplast = cell organelle where photosynthesis occurs

Chlorophyll = pigment molecule inside chloroplast

Phosphorylation = making ATP

Photophosphorylation = using light as energy source to make ATP

Cyclic photophosphorylation = version of photosynthesis common in bacteria

Photosynthesis in plants

Light-Dependent phase = non-cyclic photophosphorylation

Need: light and water

Product: ATP, NADPH, and O₂

Light-Independent phase = Calvin-Benson cycle

Need: CO₂, ATP, and NADPH

Product: G3P (or sugar)

C3 vs C4 plants