Question

.Explain the sequence of events that take place during photosynthesis in
Opuntia .

Answer 1

Dear student,

In any green plant like Opuntia the sequence of events in photosynthesis is as follows-

1. The plants take in carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) from the air and soil respectively.

2. Within the plant cell, the water is oxidized, meaning it loses electrons, while the carbon dioxide is reduced, meaning it gains electrons.

The three events that occur during the process of photosynthesis are:

(i) Absorption of light energy by chlorophyll.

(ii) Conversion of light energy to chemical energy and splitting of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

(iii) Reduction of carbon dioxide to carbohydrates.

This transforms the water into oxygen and the carbon dioxide into glucose.

The plant then releases the oxygen back into the air, and stores energy within the glucose molecules.

Overall formula of photosynthesis is -

6CO₂ + 6H₂O + (energy) → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
Carbon dioxide + water + energy from light produces glucose and oxygen.

Regards