Which characteristic of life best describes the process of photosynthesis

Most life on Earth depends on photosynthesis.The process is carried out by plants, algae, and some types of bacteria, which capture energy from sunlight to produce oxygen (O2) and chemical energy stored in glucose (a sugar). Herbivores then obtain this energy by eating plants, and carnivores obtain it by eating herbivores.

The process

During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) from the air and soil. Within the plant cell, the water is oxidized, meaning it loses electrons, while the carbon dioxide is reduced, meaning it gains electrons. This transforms the water into oxygen and the carbon dioxide into glucose. The plant then releases the oxygen back into the air, and stores energy within the glucose molecules.

Chlorophyll

Inside the plant cell are small organelles called chloroplasts, which store the energy of sunlight. Within the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast is a light-absorbing pigment called chlorophyll, which is responsible for giving the plant its green color. During photosynthesis, chlorophyll absorbs energy from blue- and red-light waves, and reflects green-light waves, making the plant appear green.

Light-dependent reactions vs. light-independent reactions

While there are many steps behind the process of photosynthesis, it can be broken down into two major stages: light-dependent reactions and light-independent reactions. The light-dependent reaction takes place within the thylakoid membrane and requires a steady stream of sunlight, hence the name light-dependent reaction. The chlorophyll absorbs energy from the light waves, which is converted into chemical energy in the form of the molecules ATP and NADPH. The light-independent stage, also known as the Calvin Cycle, takes place in the stroma, the space between the thylakoid membranes and the chloroplast membranes, and does not require light, hence the name light-independent reaction. During this stage, energy from the ATP and NADPH molecules is used to assemble carbohydrate molecules, like glucose, from carbon dioxide.

C3 and C4 photosynthesis

Not all forms of photosynthesis are created equal, however. There are different types of photosynthesis, including C3 photosynthesis and C4 photosynthesis. C3 photosynthesis is used by the majority of plants. It involves producing a three-carbon compound called 3-phosphoglyceric acid during the Calvin Cycle, which goes on to become glucose. C4 photosynthesis, on the other hand, produces a four-carbon intermediate compound, which splits into carbon dioxide and a three-carbon compound during the Calvin Cycle. A benefit of C4 photosynthesis is that by producing higher levels of carbon, it allows plants to thrive in environments without much light or water.

Which characteristic of life best describes the process of photosynthesis

Answer: The correct answer will be metabolism.

Explanation: Photosynthesis is a process performed by the plants and green bacteria which produces sucrose using carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight.

The conversion of light energy into chemical energy. (use of energy)

Answer:

The correct answer will be metabolism.

Explanation:

The biologist tried to identify the characteristic features of living organisms which distinguished the living beings from non-living things.

The metabolism is one of the characteristic features of a living organism which produces energy for the living organism to survive. The metabolism involves the anabolism or the formation of complex molecules as well as catabolism or the breakdown of the complex molecules to simple molecules.

Since photosynthesis is a sequential chain of chemical reactions which helps in the production of energy molecules like glucose and ATP. Therefore, photosynthesis represents the process of "metabolism".

Which characteristic of life best describes the process of photosynthesis

Some characteristics of photosynthesis are –

  • Photosynthesis takes place in green plants. It produces the energy required by plants to carry out their life processes
  • Raw materials required for photosynthesis are sunlight, water, carbon dioxide
  • Photosynthesis helps plants in manufacturing food as they are autotrophs and primary producers in the ecosystem
  • Chlorophyll is the pigment required for photosynthesis
  • The site of photosynthesis is the mesophyll of the leaves containing chloroplasts. They have the disc-shaped structures thylakoids containing chlorophyll
  • Oxygen and glucose are the end products of photosynthesis

Get complete details about the process of Photosynthesis – Photosynthesis Process – Complete Overview

Photosynthesis enables plants to manufacture their own food. The process converts light energy into chemical energy. Towards the end of the process, glucose and oxygen are released. This is used up by plants later to perform their life activities. The chemical energy, thus obtained is stored in the form of sugars.

Which characteristic of life best describes the process of photosynthesis

Chlorophyll is an important pigment involved in photosynthesis. Its chemical structure is as given below –

Which characteristic of life best describes the process of photosynthesis

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Which characteristic of life best describes the process of photosynthesis

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Which characteristic of life best describes the process of photosynthesis

Answer:

metabolism AKA Using Energy

Explanation:

Photosynthesis is a process performed by the plants and green bacteria which produces sucrose using carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight.