PhotosyntheseStoffwechsel

PhotosyntheseStoffwechsel refers to the metabolic processes involved in photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process used by plants, algae, and cyanobacteria to convert light energy into chemical energy, through a process that uses sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. This chemical energy is stored in carbohydrate molecules, such as sugars, which are synthesized from carbon dioxide and water. Oxygen is released as a byproduct.

The overall chemical equation for photosynthesis is 6CO2 + 6H2O + Light Energy → C6H12O6 + 6O2. This process occurs in two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (also known as the Calvin cycle).

The light-dependent reactions take place in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts. Here, light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll and other pigments. This energy is used to split water molecules, releasing electrons and protons, and producing oxygen gas. The energy captured is used to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), which are energy-carrying molecules.

The light-independent reactions occur in the stroma of the chloroplasts. These reactions do not directly require light, but they use the ATP and NADPH produced during the light-dependent reactions. In this stage, carbon dioxide is "fixed" from the atmosphere and incorporated into organic molecules, ultimately forming glucose. This glucose can then be used by the organism for energy or stored for later use. PhotosyntheseStoffwechsel is therefore fundamental to most life on Earth, as it forms the base of many food webs and produces the oxygen necessary for aerobic respiration.