Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants, some bacteria, and some protistans use sunlight energy to produce glucose from carbon dioxide and water.

Chlorophyll

A green pigment that absorbs sunlight energy and is essential for photosynthesis.

Glucose

A simple sugar produced during photosynthesis, which can be converted into pyruvate during cellular respiration.

Cellular respiration

The process that converts glucose into adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by releasing energy.

Accessory pigments

Pigments such as chlorophyll b, xanthophylls, and carotenoids that assist chlorophyll a in absorbing sunlight.

Chlorophyll a

The primary chlorophyll pigment that absorbs energy from violet-blue and reddish orange-red wavelengths.

Word equation for photosynthesis

Carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen.

Ester bond

The type of bond that links the tail and head of chlorophyll molecules.

Hydrocarbon tail

The lipid-soluble part of chlorophyll that is involved in the absorption of sunlight.

Magnesium ion

The central atom in the hydrophilic head of chlorophyll.