Oxygenic photosynthesis
Oxygenic Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and cyanobacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This process is fundamental to life on Earth as it is responsible for the majority of the planet's oxygen and forms the basis of the food chain.
Process[edit | edit source]
Oxygenic photosynthesis occurs in two stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (also known as the Calvin cycle).
In the light-dependent reactions, light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll and other pigments in the chloroplasts, and is used to generate ATP and NADPH. This process also produces oxygen as a byproduct, which is released into the atmosphere.
The ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent reactions are then used in the Calvin cycle to convert carbon dioxide into glucose. This process is known as carbon fixation.
Importance[edit | edit source]
Oxygenic photosynthesis is crucial for life on Earth. It is the primary source of oxygen in the atmosphere, which is essential for aerobic respiration. The glucose produced in photosynthesis is used by plants and other organisms for energy and growth, and forms the basis of the food chain.
In addition, photosynthesis plays a key role in the carbon cycle, helping to regulate the Earth's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
.svg){kind=small} | This biochemistry article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
 | This plant article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
