The Basics

#Biology #Photosynthesis

All living things use ATP Packets
These living things are sorted into two groups:
1. Heterotrophs - Those who consume Glucose
2. Autotrophs - Those who make Glucose
  1. Photosynthesis - Make Glucose out of sunlight energy
  2. Chemosynthesis - Obtain nutrients from surroundings

Photosynthesis:
6CO $_{2}$ + 6H $_{2}$ O --> C $_{6}$ H $_{1}$ $_{2}$ O $_{6}$ + 6O $_{2}$

Photosynthesis reactions take place in the leaves
Meaning all ingredients must get to the leaves
The Ingredients:
1. CO $_{2}$
  - Diffuses into the spongy mesophyll from outside environment
  - Enters through the stomata
  - Guard cells can open and close stomata depending on the outside conditions:
    - Cool & Humid - Open.
    - Hot & Dry - Closed to prevent water loss through transpiration .
    - Night - Closed because photosynthesis is not taking place
2. H $_{2}$ O
  - Water doesn't enter a leaf directly, the cuticle gets in the way
  - Instead, water enters through the roots
  - Inside the roots, it travels through tubes called Xylem
  - There are two main methods to move the water throughout:
    1. Root Pressure (Plants < 2m)
    2. Transpiration (Plants > 2m)