Photosynthesis

From WikiMD's Medical Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Photosynthesize)

Photosynthesis is a process used by plants, algae, and certain bacteria to harness energy from sunlight into chemical energy. There are two types of photosynthetic processes: oxygenic photosynthesis and anoxygenic photosynthesis. The general principles of anoxygenic and oxygenic photosynthesis are very similar, but oxygenic photosynthesis is the most common and is seen in plants, algae and cyanobacteria.

Overview[edit]

Photosynthesis maintains atmospheric oxygen levels and supplies most of the energy necessary for life on Earth. However, it is not just about energy. The process also creates the biomass that makes up the organisms in the biosphere.

Process[edit]

Photosynthesis occurs in two stages. In the first stage, light-dependent reactions capture the energy of light and use it to make high-energy molecules. In the second stage, the light-independent reactions use these products to capture and reduce carbon dioxide.

Light-dependent reactions[edit]

In the light-dependent reactions, one molecule of the pigment chlorophyll absorbs one photon and loses one electron. This electron is passed to a modified form of chlorophyll called pheophytin, which passes the electron to a quinone molecule, starting the flow of electrons down an electron transport chain that leads to the ultimate reduction of NADP to NADPH.

Light-independent reactions[edit]

In the light-independent or "dark" reactions, the enzyme RuBisCO captures CO2 from the atmosphere and, in a process called the Calvin cycle, it uses the newly formed NADPH and releases three-carbon sugars, which are later combined to form sucrose and starch.

Factors affecting photosynthesis[edit]

Several factors affect the rate of photosynthesis including light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and the availability of water.

Importance[edit]

Photosynthesis is essential for life on Earth. As well as maintaining the normal level of oxygen in the atmosphere, nearly all life either directly or indirectly depends on it for nourishment.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

<references />

This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Ad. Transform your health with W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & MedSpa

W8MD's happy loser(weight)

Tired of being overweight?

Special offer:

Budget GLP-1 weight loss medications

  • Semaglutide starting from $29.99/week and up with insurance for visit of $59.99 and up per week self pay.
  • Tirzepatide starting from $45.00/week and up (dose dependent) or $69.99/week and up self pay

✔ Same-week appointments, evenings & weekends

Learn more:

Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Content may be inaccurate or outdated and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical decisions. Verify information with trusted sources such as CDC.gov and NIH.gov. By using this site, you agree that WikiMD is not liable for any outcomes related to its content. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Retrieved from "https://wikimd.org/index.php?title=Photosynthesis&oldid=6324651"