Photosynthesis and Chloroplasts

Free Photosynthesis and Chloroplasts OCR A Level Biology revision notes – covering specification point 5.2.1 (b).

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Introduction to Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis consists of two distinct stages linked together:

  • The light-dependent reactions: Light energy is absorbed and converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and reduced NADP (NADPH).
  • The light-independent reactions: ATP and reduced NADP are used to capture carbon dioxide and attach it to organic molecules (carbon fixation).

The diagram below shows how the light-dependent and light-independent reactions are linked:

Interdependence Of Light Dependent and Light Independent Reactions - Photosynthesis and Chloroplasts OCR A Level Biology notes
Chloroplast Structure and Function

Photosynthesis in eukaryotic organisms occurs within chloroplasts.

The diagram below shows the typical structure of a chloroplast:

Chloroplast structure labelled diagram OCR A Level Biology
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