Why Is Photosynthesis Referred to As a Biochemical Pathway?

Photosynthesis, the process by which green plants use light energy to make chemical energy, is an example of a biochemical pathway. Biochemical pathways are sequential steps of chemical reactions that organize energy and materials in cells.

Green plants photosynthesize to make oxygen and glucose.

The Facts

During photosynthesis light energy is used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose (sugar) and oxygen gas through a series of sequential steps.

Function

Typically, biochemical pathways function continuously to make the products of the pathway. Each step in the pathway is catalyzed by an enzyme, or protein that speeds and regulates chemical reactions.

Features

The products of the photosynthesis biochemical pathway are glucose and oxygen gas.

Types

Biochemical pathways can be anabolic, catabolic or both.

Catabolic Pathways

Catabolic biochemical pathways involve the breakdown of complex compounds into simpler ones. Catabolic pathways release energy that can power anabolic pathways.

Anabolic Pathways

Anabolic biochemical pathways involve the synthesis of complex compounds from simpler ones. Photosynthesis is an anabolic biochemical pathway since light energy is used to synthesize a complex molecule, glucose, from simpler ones (carbon dioxide and water).

References

• Biology: Concepts and Connections; Neil A. Campbell; 2009
• Biochemical Pathways
• Photosynthesis and Metabolism