The document summarizes the process of photosynthesis, which occurs in two main stages. The light-dependent reactions use energy from sunlight to convert water to oxygen and produce ATP and NADPH. The light-independent reactions then use ATP and NADPH to convert carbon dioxide into glucose through a series of enzyme-mediated steps known as the Calvin cycle, resulting in the regeneration of RuBP to begin the process again.

1. The Process of Photosynthesis By: Elizabeth Mikes ED 205 Sec. 16

2. Photosynthesis Quit

3. Importance Quit

4. Importance Continued Quit

5. Light-dependent Reactions The light-dependent reactions begin with the photolysis of water. This breaks down water into protons, electrons, oxygen, and hydrogen. This occurs within the thylakoid space in a cell. This eventually leads to the cytochrome complex and photosystems . This process moves the electrons through the thylakoid space and adds energy. The ending result of this is electrons are stored as NADPH molecules in the stroma. Quit

6. Light-dependent Reactions Continued Quit

7. Light-independent Reactions Quit

8. Light-independent Reactions Continued Quit

9. Light-independent Reactions Continued The third and final stage is the Regeneration Phase . The remaining PGAL molecules are transformed back into RuBP by a complex series of enzyme-mediated steps. There is a total of eighteen carbons in the end. The reason this is called regeneration is because the carbon molecules change from 2 three-carbon back to a five-carbon and a PGAL. Click Here For a Link to Animation Website Quit

10. Photorespiration Quit

11. Photorespiration Continued Quit

12. Resources Quit

13. Author’s Page Quit

14. Concept Map Quit