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Photosynthesis Class 11

Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts, primarily in mesophyll cells, involving light reactions in thylakoids and dark reactions (Calvin cycle) in the stroma. The light reactions produce ATP and NADPH while releasing oxygen, and can occur through non-cyclic or cyclic photophosphorylation. Factors such as light intensity, CO₂ concentration, temperature, water availability, and chlorophyll content significantly influence the rate of photosynthesis.

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3 views

Photosynthesis Class 11

Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts, primarily in mesophyll cells, involving light reactions in thylakoids and dark reactions (Calvin cycle) in the stroma. The light reactions produce ATP and NADPH while releasing oxygen, and can occur through non-cyclic or cyclic photophosphorylation. Factors such as light intensity, CO₂ concentration, temperature, water availability, and chlorophyll content significantly influence the rate of photosynthesis.

Uploaded by

aarush.kalra08
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Photosynthesis

1. Where does photosynthesis take place?


Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts, primarily found in the mesophyll cells of plant
leaves.
Structure of the Chloroplast:
1. Outer membrane: Controls the movement of molecules in and out of the chloroplast.
2. Inner membrane: Protects the internal environment.
3. Stroma: Fluid-filled space where the Calvin cycle (dark reaction) takes place.
4. Thylakoids: Membrane sacs stacked into grana, containing chlorophyll for the light
reaction.
5. Thylakoid lumen: The space inside thylakoids where protons accumulate during the light
reaction.

2. What is Light Reaction and Dark Reaction?


Light Reaction (Photochemical Phase):
- Location: Thylakoid membranes.
- Process:
1. Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight, exciting electrons in PSII.
2. Water splits into oxygen, protons, and electrons (photolysis).
3. Electrons move through the electron transport chain, generating ATP and NADPH.
4. Oxygen is released as a byproduct.

Dark Reaction (Calvin Cycle):


- Location: Stroma of the chloroplast.
- Process:
1. CO₂ combines with RuBP (a 5-carbon molecule) in a process called carbon fixation.
2. ATP and NADPH from the light reaction are used to convert CO₂ into glucose.

3. Cyclic Photophosphorylation

Cyclic photophosphorylation is a process in photosynthesis where ATP is produced


using sunlight, but NADPH and oxygen are not formed.

Steps in Cyclic Photophosphorylation:

1. Initiation:
o Light energy excites electrons in Photosystem I (PSI).
o The excited electrons gain energy and move to a higher energy level.
2. Electron Transport:
o These high-energy electrons are transferred to a series of carrier molecules
in the electron transport chain (ETC).
3. ATP Production:
o As the electrons move through the chain, their energy pumps H⁺ ions
(protons) into the thylakoid lumen.
o This creates a proton gradient.
o Protons flow back into the stroma through ATP synthase, which produces
ATP.
4. Electron Return:
o The electrons return to PSI, completing the cycle.

Key Features:

 Only Photosystem I (PSI) is involved.


 The electrons are recycled back to PSI.
 Only ATP is produced.
 No water splitting, so no oxygen is released.
 No NADPH is formed.

Where it Occurs:

 In conditions of low light intensity or low NADP⁺ availability.

Purpose:

 Provides additional ATP required for processes like the Calvin cycle.
4. Non-Cyclic Photophosphorylation

Non-cyclic photophosphorylation is the main pathway of light reaction in photosynthesis,


where ATP, NADPH, and oxygen are formed.

Steps in Non-Cyclic Photophosphorylation:

1. Initiation in Photosystem II (PSII):


o Light energy excites electrons in PSII.
o Excited electrons are transferred to the primary electron acceptor of PSII.
2. Water Splitting (Photolysis):
o To replace the lost electrons in PSII, water is split into:
 Electrons (e⁻): Used to replenish PSII.
 Protons (H⁺): Contribute to the proton gradient.
 Oxygen (O₂): Released as a byproduct.
3. Electron Transport Chain (ETC):
o Electrons move through a series of carriers in the thylakoid membrane.
o As they move, they pump protons (H⁺) into the thylakoid lumen, creating a
proton gradient.
4. Photosystem I (PSI):
o Electrons from PSII reach PSI, where they are re-excited by light.
o The excited electrons are passed to NADP⁺, reducing it to NADPH.
5. ATP Formation:
o Protons flow back into the stroma through ATP synthase, driving ATP
production.

Key Features:

 Involves both Photosystem II (PSII) and Photosystem I (PSI).


 Produces ATP, NADPH, and O₂.
 Electrons do not return to PSII; instead, they are transferred to NADP⁺ to form
NADPH.

Purpose:

 Provides ATP and NADPH for the Calvin cycle, which synthesizes glucose.
5. Explain the Electron Transport.
Steps in the Electron Transport Chain (ETC):
1. Light absorption in PSII: Sunlight excites electrons in chlorophyll.
2. Water splitting: Electrons lost in PSII are replaced by splitting water molecules. This
releases O₂, protons, and electrons.
3. Electron transfer: High-energy electrons move through proteins embedded in the
thylakoid membrane.
4. Proton gradient formation: Energy from electrons pumps protons (H⁺) into the thylakoid
lumen. This creates a proton concentration gradient.
5. ATP production: Protons flow back into the stroma through ATP synthase, generating
ATP.
6. NADPH formation: Electrons reach PSI, get re-energized, and combine with NADP⁺ to
form NADPH.
6. What is the Chemiosmotic Hypothesis?
The chemiosmotic hypothesis explains how ATP is produced during photosynthesis.
1. Proton Gradient Formation:
- Protons (H⁺) accumulate in the thylakoid lumen due to:
- Water splitting.
- Electron transport pumping H⁺ ions into the lumen.
2. ATP Synthesis:
- Protons flow back into the stroma through ATP synthase, releasing energy.
- This energy is used to convert ADP + Pi → ATP.
3. Key Concept:
- The proton-motive force drives ATP production.

7. Where are ATP and NADPH used?


1. ATP: Provides energy for converting 3-PGA to G3P in the Calvin cycle.
2. NADPH: Supplies reducing power to convert intermediate molecules (3-PGA) into G3P (a
precursor of glucose).

8. Explain the Calvin Cycle.


The Calvin Cycle is a dark reaction where ATP and NADPH are used to convert CO₂ into
glucose.
Steps:
1. Carbon Fixation: Enzyme RuBisCO fixes CO₂ to RuBP, forming 3-PGA.
2. Reduction: ATP and NADPH reduce 3-PGA to G3P (Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate).
3. Regeneration: Most G3P molecules regenerate RuBP using ATP. Remaining G3P forms
glucose.
9. Explain the C4 Pathway. Which Plants Have C4 Pathway?
C4 Pathway Steps:
1. CO₂ Fixation in Mesophyll Cells: CO₂ is fixed into oxaloacetate (4-carbon compound).
2. Transport to Bundle Sheath Cells: Oxaloacetate is converted into malate and transported
to bundle sheath cells.
3. CO₂ Release: Malate breaks down, releasing CO₂. Calvin Cycle occurs here in the bundle
sheath cells.
C4 Plants:
- Maize, sugarcane, sorghum.
10. What is Photorespiration?
Photorespiration is a wasteful process that occurs when RuBisCO binds O₂ instead of CO₂.
1. Produces no glucose or ATP.
2. Happens in high temperatures or low CO₂ conditions.

11. Factors Affecting Photosynthesis


1. Light Intensity: Higher light increases photosynthesis, but only up to a point.
2. CO₂ Concentration: CO₂ is a raw material; its availability boosts photosynthesis.
3. Temperature: Optimal temperature is needed for enzyme activity.
4. Water Availability: Water stress closes stomata, reducing CO₂ intake.
5. Chlorophyll Content: Healthy leaves with enough chlorophyll are essential.

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