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Photosynthesis Lab Report

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Photosynthesis Lab Report
Photosynthesis is a process that allows organisms to trap sunlight energy and convert it directly into potential chemical energy. Enzymes are required in order for the biochemical reactions to occur because they act as a catalyst to convert energy from sunlight into chemical potential energy. Two consecutive steps allow the photosynthesis process to take place. These steps are light-independent reactions, and light dependent reactions. The occurrences of Light-independent reactions happen in the STROMA of the chloroplasts. The substances consumed during this reaction are ATP and NADPH. The occurrences of light-dependent reactions happen within the THYLAKOIDS of the chloroplasts. The substances consumed during this reaction is light, which is absorbed by chlorophyll molecules, which then produces hydrogen ions, electrons, oxygen gas, ATP and NADPH. “The light-dependent reactions drive the light-independent reactions, which means the products of the light-dependent reactions, ATP and NADPH, are required for the light-independent reactions to proceed.” (Photosynthesis Lab background) …show more content…
However, organisms such as plants, certain bacteria (cyanobacteria), and algae can carry out photosynthesis as well. The three domains that are able to carry out some type of photosynthesis would therefore be, Eukarya, Bacteria and Archaea. These organisms are known as photoautotrophs, which are autotrophs that use carbon and sunlight to synthesize chemical energy in the form of carbohydrates. (5 | Photosynthesis) The objective of the photosynthesis lab is to evaluate the process and the significance of photosynthesis, define the light compensation point, observe the effect of light intensity and wavelength on the photosynthetic rate of a Spinach leaf, and identify the pigments found in the chloroplasts of spinach leaves by using a Thin Layer Chromatography

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