Photosynthesis and Photolysis

Photosynthesis - Photolysis and Carbon Fixation Photosynthesis is means that primary producers can obtain energy via light energy. The energy gained FROM light can be used in various processes mentioned below for the creation of energy that the plant will need to survive and grow. Photosynthesis is a reduction process, where hydrogen is reduced by a coenzyme. This is in contrast to respiration where glucose is oxidised. The process is split INTO two DISTINCT areas, Photolysis (the photochemical stage) and the Calvin cycle (the thermochemical stage). CO2 + H2O > glucose + oxygen Photolysis This part of photosynthesis occurs in the granum of a chloroplast where light is absorbed by chloroplast ; a type of photosynthetic pigment that converts the light to chemical energy. This reacts with water (H2O) and splits the oxygen and hydrogen molecules apart. From this dissection of water, the oxygen is released as a by-product while the reduced hydrogen acceptor makes its way to the second stage of photosynthesis, the Calvin cycle. Overall, since the water is oxidised (hydrogen is removed) and energy is gained in photolysis which is required in the Calvin cycle