Hobbies And Interests
Absorbing Light
Nearly all plants require at least a minimal amount of light energy to grow, which usually comes from the sun. Light hits the plant leaves and penetrates into the cells. Leaves feature parts known as chloroplasts within the mesophyll, or cellular layer between the upper and lower epidermis of a leaf. Chloroplasts contain a substance called chlorophyll, which gives plants its green color. According to the University of Cincinnati Clermont College biology department, chloroplasts absorb red and blue light but not green light. Once the light from the sun or another light source has been absorbed, the process of photosynthesis begins within the chloroplasts.
Light Reactions
This first part of photosynthesis is referred to as a light-dependent reaction because to carry out these steps, the plants must have light. Light is what triggers the plant into the process of photosynthesis. Once the light has been absorbed, chlorophyll transforms the light energy into chemical energy, creating a substance called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. Cells use ATP to store energy.
Calvin Cycle
Once the ATP is created, plants begin what is known as the light-independent reaction. According to Estrella Mountain Community College's online biology book, plants pull carbon dioxide from either the air or water, then combine it with water to form carbohydrates. In addition to making carbohydrates, plants take the ATP formed and use it, along with carbon dioxide, to create glucose, or sugar. The process of taking ATP and turning it into sugar is known as the Calvin Cycle. Oxygen is made during these reactions as a byproduct, then released into the air for use by animals.