Photosynthesis in Higher Plants – Understanding Light and Dark Reactions, Pigments, C4 Pathway, and Factors Affecting Photosynthesis – Class 11 Biology
๐ Photosynthesis in Higher Plants – Class 11 NCERT Detailed Explanation ๐ถ Introduction Photosynthesis is the fundamental process by which green plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy. In higher plants, this process takes place in the chloroplasts, using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and release oxygen. --- ๐ฑ What is Photosynthesis? Photosynthesis is defined as the process by which autotrophic organisms convert light energy (usually from the Sun) into chemical energy stored in glucose. The overall simplified chemical equation is: 6CO_2 + 6H_2O \xrightarrow{light} C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 --- ๐ Where Does Photosynthesis Occur? Photosynthesis mainly occurs in the mesophyll cells of leaves, specifically within chloroplasts, which contain the green pigment chlorophyll. --- ๐ Historical Background Joseph Priestley (1774): Showed plants release oxygen. Jan Ingenhousz: Found sunlight is essential for oxygen release. Julius von Sac...