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Chapter 7: Capturing Solar Energy: Photosynthesis Links

Nearly all life on Earth ultimately depends on the energy that falls on our planet as sunlight. How is light energy converted into chemical energy, which is stored in the chemical bonds of sugars? To find out, explore the marvelous machinery of the chloroplast and the biochemistry of photosynthesis at these sites.

1) What Is Photosynthesis?

What Is Photosynthesis?

All of our food and fossil fuel is a product of photosynthesis. Learn the basics about photosynthesis at this site.

Chloroplasts

This site presents a short description of the general structure and function of chloroplasts, the organelles that contain chlorophyll and perform photosynthesis.

Deep Microbes

Although most life on our planet depends on photosynthesis (and, therefore, on light from the sun), some microbes can convert other types of energy into the chemical energy needed by their cells. Read about some of these microbes that live deep below Earth’s surface!

Photosynthesis

This series of informative essays is part of a biology HyperText Book from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Photosynthesis

In this excellent hyperlinked essay, you can review all of the aspects of photosynthesis. Note that the many diagrams make this Web page slow to load. A good glossary is included.

Photosynthetic Process

Extensive and detailed information about photosynthesis is available at this site.

Photosynthesis Research

Learn about photosynthesis from a research center at Arizona State University that studies the early events in photosynthesis.

2) Light-Dependent Reactions: How Is Light Energy Converted to Chemical Energy?

Fall Colors

Why do plants change color in fall? Find out here, and view the lovely pictures.

Light Reactions

A short summary of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis is presented at this site.

Light Reactions Problem Set

This problem set will review the equations for the light reactions of photosynthesis, and test your understanding of how light energy is converted into chemical energy during photosynthesis.

3) Light-Independent Reactions: How Is Chemical Energy Stored in Glucose Molecules?

Dark Reactions

Some scientists call the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis "dark reactions." Learn more about the photosynthetic reactions responsible for sugar synthesis.

Dark Reactions Problem Set

This problem set will review the location and overall reactions of carbohydrate biosynthesis during photosynthesis.

4) What Is the Relationship Between Light-Dependent and Light-Independent Reactions?

Melvin Calvin

Here you can read the obituary of one of the scientists for whom the Calvin-Benson cycle was named. You can also follow the link to his 1961 Nobel Prize address.

5) Water, CO₂, and the C₄ Pathway

Corn and Photosynthesis

Why does corn produce high yields? Find out here!

C₃ and C₄ Plants

Diagrams contrasting the leaves of C₃ and C₄ plants.

Global Warming

Increases in CO₂ levels are believed to be at least partly responsible for a global increase in temperature. How might increases in CO₂ levels affect plants? Explore these and other possibilities at this site published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

RuBisco

Read this article to learn how a mutant form of the enzyme RuBisco may significantly impact global warming.