Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 40m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 12m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

9. Photosynthesis

Introduction to Photosynthesis

General Biology

9. Photosynthesis

Introduction to Photosynthesis

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Multiple Choice

Photosynthetic organisms are unique to most ecosystems because they:

decompose dead organic matter

consume organic molecules for energy

convert light energy into chemical energy

fix atmospheric nitrogen

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of photosynthetic organisms in ecosystems: Photosynthetic organisms, such as plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, are primary producers. They are capable of converting light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored in organic molecules like glucose.

Clarify the process of photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the process by which these organisms use light energy, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and water (H₂O) to produce glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂). The general equation for photosynthesis is:

6 CO 2 + 6 H 2 O + light → C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6 O 2

Eliminate incorrect options: Photosynthetic organisms do not decompose dead organic matter (this is the role of decomposers like fungi and bacteria) or consume organic molecules for energy (this is characteristic of heterotrophs). While some photosynthetic organisms can fix atmospheric nitrogen, this is not their defining characteristic.

Focus on the correct answer: The defining feature of photosynthetic organisms is their ability to convert light energy into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. This chemical energy is stored in the bonds of glucose and other organic molecules, which serve as energy sources for themselves and other organisms in the ecosystem.

Conclude with the ecological importance: By converting light energy into chemical energy, photosynthetic organisms form the base of most food chains, supporting life in ecosystems by providing energy and organic matter for heterotrophic organisms.