what process is when both heterotrophs and autotrophs convert molecules of carbon dioxide, water and atp
The process you're referring to is called photosynthesis. In photosynthesis, both autotrophs (such as plants) and some heterotrophs (such as algae) convert carbon dioxide (CO2), water (H2O), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into glucose (a sugar) and oxygen (O2). This process utilizes the energy from sunlight and occurs in the chloroplasts of cells.
To understand how this process happens, you need to know the main steps involved:
1. Light Absorption: The initial step in photosynthesis is the absorption of light energy by pigments called chlorophyll located in the chloroplasts of plant cells. The primary pigment involved is chlorophyll a, which absorbs light in the red and blue regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
2. Light-dependent Reactions: During this stage, the absorbed light energy is used to generate ATP and another energy carrier molecule called NADPH. This occurs in the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplasts. Water molecules are split (photolysis) to release electrons, protons (H+ ions), and oxygen as byproduct.
3. Calvin Cycle (Light-independent Reactions): In this stage, also known as the dark reactions or carbon fixation, the synthesized ATP and NADPH from the light-dependent reactions are used to convert carbon dioxide into glucose. This part takes place in the stroma of the chloroplasts. The energy from ATP and the high-energy electrons from NADPH are used to fuel a series of reactions that produce glucose molecules.
Overall, photosynthesis is a vital process that not only provides energy for the organisms involved but also plays a critical role in maintaining oxygen levels in the atmosphere.