Discussion: Photosynthesis
When a plant grows, the atoms used come from carbon dioxide in the air and water. Plants are able to accomplish this through the process of photosynthesis, cellular respiration and biosynthesis of macromolecules.
1. Briefly explain the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis: where does this take place, what are the reactants and what is produced?
2. Briefly explain the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis: where does this take place, what are the reactants and what is produced? How do plants store excess product from these reactions?
3. Where does the energy come from that allow plants to synthesize the necessary biological macromolecules that allow it to grow? Hint: It is NOT from sunlight. Explain your answer.