Photosynthesis:

• Photosynthesis- process of what a cell does to capture sunlight and use it to make food.

  • ​Almost all living things need photosynthesis in order to survive

  • Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplast

  • Chlorophyll in the chloroplast helps convert sunlight into usuable chemical energy

    • ​Chlorophyll- is the green pigment

  • Reactants:

    • ​sunlight 

    • carbon dioxide

    • water

  • Products:

    • ​glucose 

    • oxygen

Photosynthesis 2 phases: 

1. Light-

   1. ​Sunlight hits the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplast-- water molecule is split and oxygen is released into the air.

   2. Electrons are excited and hold the energy needed for phase 2.

2. Dark-

   1. ​Calvin Cycle- in the stroma of the chloroplast, carbon dioxide-- glucose

Autotrophs and Heterotrophs: 

• Photosynthesis is vital for the existence of life on Earth. The heterotrophs either directly or indirectly, soley depend on photosynthesizing autotrophic organisms.

  • ​Heterotrophs- organisms that depend on other organisms for food and energy 

  • Autotrophs- organisms that produce their own food

• The gas exchange occurs within the stoma with guard cells.