B8 Photosynthesis [AQA GCSE Biology}

Endothermic reaction

A reaction that requires a transfer of energy from the environment.

Chloroplasts

The sub-cellular structures in which the reactions of photosynthesis take place.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment in chloroplasts which absorbs light.

Glucose

The simple sugar produced in photosynthesis.

Cellulose

Makes up the cell walls of plant and algal cells. It is made of glucose subunits.

Starch

A compact, insoluble storage molecule made of glucose subunits.

Nitrate ions

Combined with glucose to form amino acids, the subunits of proteins.

Palisade cell

A specialised cell adapted for photosynthesis. Contains lots of chloroplasts.

Palisade mesophyll

The leaf tissue where photosynthesis takes place.

Limiting factor

An environmental factor which can slow (limit) the rate of photosynthesis if it is not at the optimum level.

Inverse square law

Used to calculate how light intensity decreases as distance from light source increases.