Photosynthesis

An image of a twisting double-helix.

Plants transform sunlight energy into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis, taking in light energy, water and carbon dioxide to form organic molecules and oxygen. This process occurs over two distinct stages, the light dependent and light independent stages. These stages are intrinsically linked and depend on each other to continue.

There are many types of plants around the world that have adapted to different climates. These plants can be categorised as C3 or C4 or CAM plant types. Each one of these plant groups undergoes photosynthesis in slightly different ways.

The rate of photosynthesis is also dependent on a range of factors within the plant's environment. Factors such as light, light intensity, wavelength of light, water availability, carbon dioxide levels and temperature will all impact the amount of photosynthesis a plant will undertake.

This resource revises photosynthesis and within photosynthesis there are 3 key concepts:

To determine if this resource will benefit you, start by answering the following questions.

  • Are you able to describe the role and location of the primary reactants (inputs) and products (outputs) of photosynthesis?
  • Do you understand the similarities and differences in how C3, C4 and CAM  plants photosynthesise?
  • Can you describe some environmental factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis?

The answers to these questions are provided on the following pages. Use this resource to refresh your memory, reinforce your understanding of these concepts, and prepare more effectively for university-level learning.