BIO-8 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Rubisco, Transpiration, Photorespiration
Document Summary
Section 2: sunlight provides the energy for photosynthesis. Energy from the sun is essential for the existence of most life. Electromagnetic radiation: energy from the sun; packaged in small, particle-like units called photons. Photon energy is positively related to frequency and inversely related wavelength. Visible light represents only a small part of the light spectrum. Photosynthetically active region: wavelengths of light that are suitable for photosynthesis; includes wavelengths from 400 nm (violet) to 700 nm (red). Chloroplasts: specialized cell organelles found in eukaryotic photosynthetic organisms. Chloroplasts contain stacks of membranes (i. e. , thylakoids) surrounded by a fluid- filled space (i. e. , stroma). Chlorophylls and carotenoids are pigments inside the thylakoids absorb light. Chlorophylls absorb red and violet light, and reflect green and blue light. Chlorophyll a is found in all plants and is primarily responsible for photosynthesis. Chlorophylls b, c, d, and f are accessory pigments that capture light energy and pass it chlorophyll a.
