Photosynthesis Problem Set 2

Problem 5 Tutorial: Basic equation of photosynthesis



In the basic equation of photosynthesis for the synthesis of one molecule of a sugar such as glucose, how many molecules of carbon dioxide are required and how many molecules of oxygen are produced?

Overall equation for photosynthesis

The overall result of photosynthesis in plants (i.e. light and dark reactions) is summarized in the balanced equation of photosynthesis. For each molecule of glucose produced:

  • 6 water water molecules are oxidized, and become the source of electrons for carbon dioxide reduction.

  • 6 molecules of carbon dioxide are required, one for each carbon atom in glucose.

  • 6 molecules of oxygen are produced as a by product of water oxidation.

  • Sunlight provides the free energy needed to make the endergonic pathway proceed.


The Biology Project
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Wednesday, September 11, 1996
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