Year 11 Chemistry Research Assignment

Chlorophyll clip_image002Outline the role of photosynthesis in transforming light energy to chemical energy (including raw materials needed for this process) Photosynthesis occurs in all green plants and is the beginning of nearly all food chains therefore a source of life to all living organisms. It is the process where plants transform light energy from the sun into chemical energy. By using light energy trapped by chlorophyll (light absorbing pigment), plants combine carbon dioxide and water to form glucose and oxygen. As it absorbs energy from sunlight, this reaction is endothermic. Light energy is converted into chemical energy which is stored as glucose. When this occurs, most of the glucose is converted into complex carbohydrates such as starch which is used for energy and cellulose which makes up most of the plant wall which provides support and structure. . Outline the role of the production of high energy carbohydrates from carbon dioxide as an important step in the stabilisation of the sun’s energy in a form that can be used by animals as well as plants. Photosynthesis is essential for almost all living things on earth. It is clear that all life forms depend on sunlight for energy to live, to grow, to move, to gather food and to reproduce. Without the sun there would be no life as we know it and because animals have no method for harnessing energy directly from the sun, they rely on the production of carbohydrates in plants. Apart from absorption of heat, photosynthesis is the only way in which the natural environment can absorb soloar energy and use it to convert it into energy. In the process of photosynthesis, chlorophyll absorbs the energy from the suns rays to convert into oxygen and carbohydrates which is crucial for all animals to survive. These carbohydrates are considered to be high energy compounds because when they react (respiration or combustion) they release large amounts of energy.

Identify the photosynthetic