NCERT Class 11 Biology Biology: Chapter 11 — Photosynthesis in Higher Plants
This chapter, "Photosynthesis in Higher Plants," is part of Unit 4: Plant Physiology in the NCERT Class 11 Biology textbook. It introduces the fundamental process by which green plants convert light energy into chemical energy, using raw materials like carbon dioxide and water to produce sugars and other organic compounds. The chapter delves into the molecular mechanisms of photosynthesis, highlighting the role of pigment molecules and electron transfer. It also touches upon the historical context, mentioning Melvin Calvin's Nobel Prize-winning work on mapping the carbon assimilation pathway. Understanding photosynthesis is crucial for comprehending plant life, energy flow in ecosystems, and its applications in renewable energy research, aligning with CBSE learning objectives.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Biology |
| Book | Biology |
| Chapter | Chapter 11 — Photosynthesis in Higher Plants |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 320 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the overall process of photosynthesis in higher plants.
- Identify the raw materials and products of photosynthesis.
- Learn about the historical contributions to understanding photosynthesis, such as Melvin Calvin's work.
- Appreciate the significance of photosynthesis for life on Earth and its applications.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Photosynthesis | The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll pigment. |
| Carbon dioxide | A colorless, odorless gas produced by burning carbon and organic compounds and by respiration. It is naturally present in the air and absorbed by plants in photosynthesis. |
| Light energy | Energy derived from visible light. |
| Chemical energy | Energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds. |
| Chlorophyll | A green pigment, present in all green plants and in amounts in the juices of some fruits and vegetables, that absorbs light energy used to carry out photosynthesis. |
| Pigment molecules | Molecules that absorb specific wavelengths of light. |
| Electron transfer | The movement of electrons from one molecule to another, crucial in energy conversion processes. |
| Carbon assimilation | The process by which plants incorporate carbon from atmospheric CO2 into organic compounds. |
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Practice questions
- What is the primary function of photosynthesis in higher plants? Answer: To convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of sugars.
- What are the main raw materials required for photosynthesis? Answer: Carbon dioxide and water.
- Who is credited with mapping the pathway of carbon assimilation in photosynthesis and received the Nobel Prize for it? Answer: Melvin Calvin.
- What is the role of pigment molecules in photosynthesis? Answer: They absorb specific wavelengths of light energy needed for the process.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 11?
Chapter 11 focuses on 'Photosynthesis in Higher Plants,' explaining how plants produce their own food using sunlight.
Who was Melvin Calvin and what is his contribution to photosynthesis?
Melvin Calvin was a chemist who studied photosynthesis and mapped the pathway of carbon assimilation, earning him the Nobel Prize in 1961.
What are the basic inputs and outputs of photosynthesis?
The basic inputs are carbon dioxide and water, and with light energy, the outputs are sugars (food) and oxygen.
Why is photosynthesis important for plants and other organisms?
It is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems, providing food for plants and indirectly for animals, and releasing oxygen essential for respiration.
What does 'carbon assimilation' mean in the context of photosynthesis?
Carbon assimilation refers to the process where plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic compounds.
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NCERT Class 11 Biology — Biology — Chapter 11 — Photosynthesis in Higher Plants. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.