Chapter 8, Problem 17A

Summary Introduction

To write:

Correct vocabulary term for the given definition.

Introduction:

Photosynthesis is an anabolic pathway in which light energy from the Sun is converted to chemical energy for use by the cell. Autotrophs use the solar energy along with carbon dioxide and water to form glucose and oxygen. The energy stored in glucose can be transferred to other organisms when the glucose is consumed as food.

Answer to Problem 17A

Photosynthesis

Explanation of Solution

Light energy is trapped by pigments called chlorophyll and converted to chemical energy during the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis occurs in two phases; light dependent reaction and light independent reaction. The light dependent reaction is also called light reaction. Chloroplasts are the organelles where photosynthesis occurs. In phase one or light reactions, light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH. In phase two or light independent reactions, the ATP and NADPH are used to produce glucose.

The organic molecule formed as a result of photosynthesis is simple sugar glucose. It can be joined to other simple sugar molecules to form large complex molecules like starch.