UNIT 3 LECTURE NOTES
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Green River College: BIOL 100 Unit 3 Notes Latest Updated
Chapter 6: Energy for life
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the cellular structure where photosynthesis occurs and describe its function.
2. State the overall chemical equation for photosynthesis.
3. Recognize what is meant by the terms reduction and oxidation.
4. Describe the function of photosynthetic pigments.
5. Explain the flow of electrons in the light reactions.
6. Explain how ATP and NADPH are generated in the light reactions of photosynthesis.
7. Summarize the three stages of the Calvin cycle and describe the major
event that occurs during each stage.
8. Describe how ATP and NADPH are utilized in the reduction of CO2.
9. Summarize how the output of the Calvin cycle is used to make other carbohydrates.
10. Define C4 photosynthesis and explain why some plants must use this
type of photosynthesis.
11. Describe both the advantages and the disadvantages of C4 photosynthesis
over C3 photosynthesis.
12. Compare and contrast the leaf structure of a C3 plant with that of a C4 plant.
13. Explain CAM photosynthesis and describe the conditions under which
plants can use it.
Producers convert Solar Energy to Chemical Energy
Photosynthesis:
•Transforms solar energy into chemical energy(carbohydrates)
•Producers—feed themselves and most of the consumers (most
other living organisms on Earth)
•Most food chains lead back to plants
