Photosyntheseprozesse

Photosyntheseprozesse, commonly translated as photosynthetic processes, are the biochemical reactions undertaken by plants, algae, and cyanobacteria to convert light energy into chemical energy. This chemical energy is stored in the form of glucose or other organic molecules, which serve as food for the organism. The overall process utilizes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and water from the environment. A key byproduct of photosynthesis is oxygen, which is released into the atmosphere.

Photosynthesis is broadly divided into two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (also known as the Calvin cycle). The light-dependent reactions occur within the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts and involve the absorption of light energy by chlorophyll and other pigments. This energy is used to split water molecules, releasing electrons and protons, and generating ATP and NADPH, which are energy-carrying molecules.

The light-independent reactions take place in the stroma of the chloroplasts. In this stage, the ATP and NADPH produced during the light-dependent reactions are used to fix carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Through a series of enzymatic reactions, carbon dioxide is incorporated into organic molecules, ultimately leading to the synthesis of glucose. This glucose can then be used by the organism for energy, growth, or stored for later use. The efficiency and specific pathways of photosynthetic processes can vary among different photosynthetic organisms.