p-h-o-t-o-s-y-n-t-h-e-s-i-s
PHOTOSYNTHESIS is the biological process by which plants and other organisms convert light energy into chemical energy, producing oxygen and glucose from carbon dioxide and water.
25
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
A PHOTOSYNTHESIS is the fundamental biological process by which green plants, algae, and certain bacteria convert light energy (usually from the sun) into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules. This process is essential for life on Earth as it produces oxygen and forms the base of most food chains. The process occurs primarily in chloroplasts, specialized organelles containing chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures light energy. Photosynthesis consists of two main stages: the light-dependent reactions (occurring in the thylakoid membranes) and the light-independent reactions or Calvin cycle (occurring in the stroma).The photosynthesis equation:6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂Key components:
The word photosynthesis comes from Greek roots: photo- meaning "light" + synthesis meaning "putting together." The term was coined in 1893 by botanist Charles Reid Barnes, replacing the earlier term "assimilation." The components break down as: phos/photos (light) + syn (together) + thesis (placing). This literally translates to "putting together with light," accurately describing the process of combining carbon dioxide and water using light energy. The discovery of photosynthesis was gradual, with Jan Ingenhousz discovering in 1779 that plants need light to produce oxygen, building on earlier work by Joseph Priestley and Jan Baptist van Helmont.
Speed of the process
Human-made mimicry of the process
6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
Different metabolic pathways
•Photosynthesis produces virtually all the oxygen in Earth's atmosphere - about 70% from ocean phytoplankton
•The efficiency of photosynthesis is only about 3-6% in converting solar energy to chemical energy
•Some bacteria perform photosynthesis without producing oxygen, using hydrogen sulfide instead of water
•Y can function as both a vowel and consonant, making Y-words flexible
"During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping to maintain atmospheric balance."
"The rate of photosynthesis increases with light intensity up to a certain point, after which it plateaus."
Adjective Form
photosynthetic
Photosynthetic organisms form the base of most food chains.
Noun Form
photosynthate
The photosynthate is transported throughout the plant.
Verb Form
photosynthesize
Plants photosynthesize during daylight hours.
Similar length and difficulty words
Total base points: 25 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 4 | Consonants: 10
Central to carbon cycle and climate regulation, with forests acting as carbon sinks.
Understanding photosynthesis drives crop improvement and greenhouse management.
Inspiring artificial photosynthesis for clean fuel production.
Fundamental concept taught from elementary through graduate levels.
Thinking it only happens in leaves
Occurs in all green parts and some bacteria
Believing it's 100% efficient
Only 3-6% of light energy is converted
Confusing with respiration
Opposite processes: photosynthesis stores energy, respiration releases it
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