Can you explain why twelve molecules of water as substrate are used in the equation given below?
$6 C O_{2} + 12 H_{2} O L i g h t \to C_{6} H_{12} O_{6} + 6 H_{2} O + 6 O_{2}$

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Solution

Part 1: Introduction
Photosynthesis comprises two different stages - light and dark reactions. The aim of the light reaction is to produce energy molecules (ATP and NADPH). These energy molecules are used in the dark reaction to produce glucose molecules.

Part 2: Light reaction
The process that is dependent on light to produce energy molecules (ATP and NADPH) is called light dependent reaction or light reaction. Cyclic and non-cyclic photophosphorylation are the two types of light reaction that occur in green plants. NADPH is produced only in non-cyclic photophosphorylation or Z-scheme

Part 3: Formation of NADPH
NADP+ is reduced to form NADPH. The protons required for this reaction are provided by the splitting of water molecules..

For the production of one molecule of glucose, 12 NADPH molecules are required and for production of 12 NADPH molecules, 12 water molecules are required. Thus in photosynthesis, 12 molecules of water are used as a substrate.

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Similar questions

6 C O_{2} + 12 H_{2} O L i g h t \to C_{6} H_{12} O_{6} + 6 H_{2} O + 6 O_{2}

C_{6} H_{12} O_{6}

O_{2}

6 C O_{2} + 12 H_{2} O L i g h t - -- \to C_{6} H_{12} O_{6} + 6 H_{2} O + 6 O_{2}

C_{6} H_{12} O_{6}

O_{2}

C_{6} H_{12} O_{6}

6 O_{2}

6 C O_{2}

6 H_{2} O

What does the equation given below represent?

$C_{6} H_{12} O_{6} + 6 O_{2} ⟶ 6 C O_{2} + 6 H_{2} O + E n e r g y$

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