Chlorophyll photosynthesis what and how it works
Index
- What is chlorophyll photosynthesis?
- But how exactly does chlorophyll photosynthesis work?
- What is chlorophyll photosynthesis used for?
What is chlorophyll photosynthesis?
Chlorophyll photosynthesis is a very important biochemical process, vital for the survival and health of the plant itself. It is precisely through photosynthesis, in fact, that plants obtain the nourishment they need to grow.
The basis and engine of the entire process is chlorophyll, a green pigment found on the surface layer of the leaf. Chlorophyll captures the sun's energy and transforms it into chemical energy. In turn, this energy produced through the photosynthesis process serves to transform the carbon dioxide absorbed from the air into sugars and carbohydrates, which is the fundamental nourishment for the plants themselves.
During the phenomenon of photosynthesis, chlorophyll is produced and free of oxygen, as a waste of the whole process, which - in turn - is an essential element for the life on Earth of plants, animals and, of course, also for humans.
FOCUS: What is Chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is a green pigment that is found mainly in the cells of the leaves of plants (but also in correspondence with other parts, such as young stems) and is the fundamental substance, at the basis of the phases and the unfolding of chlorophyll photosynthesis .
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But how exactly does chlorophyll photosynthesis work? Process scheme and stages
The process of chlorophyll photosynthesis takes place in two basic phases: the light phase and the dark one.
The first produces energy in the form of ATP, the second phase, on the other hand - also identified with the name of the Calvin cycle - allows the transformation of inorganic carbon (carbon dioxide) into organic carbon molecules (or glucose).
So let's see, in detail, what these two phases of the photosynthesis process involve
The absorbed energy is stored in two chemical compounds, called ATP and NADPH2.These two compounds are responsible for storing and transferring energy to the different parts of the plant. ATP is the energy carrier, which powers reactions to generate carbohydrates and other metabolic functions. NADPH2, on the other hand, transfers electrons, generally hydrogen, for the synthesis of carbohydrates and other components.
LIGHT = ATP + NADPH2
The basic components for photosynthesis of carbohydrates (CH2O) derive from carbon dioxide (C02) and water (H2O). Carbon dioxide is found in the air, or it can be administered with special dispensers.
Since this is a biochemical process, to better understand chlorophyll photosynthesis it is necessary to see the relative chemical formula:
CO2 + H2O = (CH2O) n + O2
But let's make an explanatory example to better understand all the steps:
6 CO2 + 6 H2O → C6H12O6 + 6 O2
Basically, plants - during the process of chlorophyll photosynthesis - absorb 6 molecules of carbon dioxide and 6 molecules of water and - transforming them - in turn produce 1 molecule of glucose and 6 molecules of oxygen.
For the other more complex bio-molecules, such as amino acids and proteins, minerals (such as nitrogen, phosphorus, etc.) the plant absorbs directly from the soil. These form the plant tissue.
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Scheme of the chlorophyll photosynthesis process
What is chlorophyll photosynthesis used for? The role of glucose and oxygen
Glucose - naturally produced by plants during this process - is a fundamental compound because it allows you to synthesize molecules rich in energy and release the energy necessary to implement the metabolic process of the plant. The process of chlorophyll photosynthesis, therefore, is used by plants to produce the substances and nourishment necessary for their life and growth.
Oxygen, on the other hand, which is released as waste during the process, is essential for the life of all living beings on Earth. The carbon dioxide present in the environment, in fact, thanks to the chlorophyll photosynthesis process carried out by plants - is transformed into precious oxygen. This process - as well as being fundamental for the life of the plant - is also essential for man and for his health, because - by transforming carbon dioxide into oxygen - the plants help to indirectly fight pollution, because they absorb the anhydrite excess carbon dioxide present in our cities thus containing the levels of smog present in the air.