What Is Photosynthesis in Biology

What Is Photosynthesis in Biology?
The word “photosynthesis” is derived from the Greek words phōs (pronounced: “fos”)
and σύνθεσις (pronounced: “synthesis“)Phōs means “light” and σύνθεσις means,
“combining together.” This means “combining together with the help of light.”
Photosynthesis also applies to other organisms besides green plants. These include
several prokaryotes such as cyanobacteria, purple bacteria and green sulfur bacteria.
These organisms exhibit photosynthesis just like green plants.The glucose produced
during photosynthesis is then used to fuel various cellular activities. The by-product of
this physio-chemical process is oxygen.
A visual representation of the photosynthesis reaction
Where Does This Process Occur?

Chloroplasts are the sites of photosynthesis in plants and blue-green algae. All green
parts of a plant, including the green stems, green leaves, and sepals – floral parts
comprise of chloroplasts – green colour plastids. These cell organelles are present only
in plant cells and are located within the mesophyll cells of leaves.
Factors Affecting Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis process requires several factors such as:
● Light Intensity: Increased light intensity results in a higher rate of photosynthesis.

On the other hand, low light intensity results in a lower rate of photosynthesis.
● The concentration of CO2: Higher concentration of carbon dioxide helps in
increasing the rate of photosynthesis. Usually, carbon dioxide in the range of 300 –
400 PPM is adequate for photosynthesis.
● Temperature: For efficient execution of photosynthesis, it is important to have a
temperature range between 25° to 35° C.
● Water: As water is an important factor in photosynthesis, its deficiency can lead to
problems in the intake of carbon dioxide. The scarcity of water leads to the refusal of
stomatal opening to retain the amount of water they have stored inside.
● Pollution: Industrial pollutants and other particulates may settle on the leaf surface.
This can block the pores of stomata which makes it difficult to take in carbon dioxide
Photosynthesis Equation
Photosynthesis reaction involves two reactants, carbon dioxide and water. These two
reactants yield two products, namely, oxygen and glucose. Hence, the photosynthesis
reaction is considered to be an endothermic reaction. Following is the photosynthesis
formula:
6CO2 + 6H2O —> C6H12O6 + 6O2
Process Of Photosynthesis
At the cellular level, the photosynthesis process takes place in cell organelles called
chloroplasts. These organelles contain a green-coloured pigment called chlorophyll,
which is responsible for the characteristic green colouration of the leaves.
As already stated, photosynthesis occurs in the leaves and the specialized cell
organelles responsible for this process is called the chloroplast. Structurally, a leaf
comprises a petiole, epidermis and a lamina. The lamina is used for absorption of
sunlight and carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
Structure of Chloroplast. Note the presence of the thylakoid
“Photosynthesis Steps:”
● During the process of photosynthesis, carbon dioxide enters through the stomata, water is
absorbed by the root hairs from the soil and is carried to the leaves through the xylem
vessels. Chlorophyll absorbs the light energy from the sun to split water molecules into
hydrogen and oxygen.
● The hydrogen from water molecules and carbon dioxide absorbed from the air are used in
the production of glucose. Furthermore, oxygen is liberated out into the atmosphere through
the leaves as a waste product.
● Glucose is a source of food for plants that provide energy for growth and development,
while the rest is stored in the roots, leaves and fruits, for their later use.
● Pigments are other fundamental cellular components of photosynthesis. They are the
molecules that impart colour and they absorb light at some specific wavelength and reflect
back the unabsorbed light. All green plants mainly contain chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and
carotenoids which are present in the thylakoids of chloroplasts. It is primarily used to capture
light energy. Chlorophyll-a is the main pigment.

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What Is Photosynthesis in Biology?

A visual representation of the photosynthesis reaction

Where Does This Process Occur?

Photosynthesis process requires several factors such as:

● Light Intensity: Increased light intensity results in a higher rate of photosynthesis.

6CO2 + 6H2O —> C6H12O6 + 6O2

Structure of Chloroplast. Note the presence of the thylakoid

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