Question

How do the reactant molecules of photosynthesis get to the chloroplasts in leaves? Please name the reactants of photosynthesis and the parts of the plant involved in getting those reactants to the chloroplast and the processes used to get the reactants into the chloroplast.

Answer 1

Photosynthesis:
6CO₂ + 6H₂O --------> C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
Reactants = CO₂ and H₂O
Products = C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Photosynthetic light reactions occur in the thylakoid discs. they produce ATP and NADPH required for the dark reactions.
Photosynthetic dark reactions occur in the stroma. They produce carbohydrate.

For the light reactions to occur, sunlight is necessary. So, light can also be considered as an input. Light is absorbed by photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll, carotenoids, and xanthophylls).

CO₂ is taken up by stomata.

H₂O is transported via vascular tissue (Xylem). Many enzymatic reactions in photosynthesis also required metal ion cofactors. Such minerals are also transported via xylem.
Ex: Photolysis of water requires Mn⁺² ions.