chapter 8 Photosynthesis

These flashcards summarize crucial concepts related to photosynthesis, covering definitions, functions, and the significance of the process.

What are autotrophs and how do they obtain energy?

Autotrophs sustain themselves by making their own food through processes like photosynthesis.

What is the difference between photoautotrophs and chemoautotrophs?

Photoautotrophs use light energy to produce organic molecules, while chemoautotrophs use inorganic chemicals as their energy source.

Where does photosynthesis occur in plants?

Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts, specifically within the thylakoid membranes.

What is chlorophyll and its function in photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll is a light-absorbing pigment that captures solar energy and gives plants their green color.

What are stomata and their role in photosynthesis?

Stomata are tiny pores in leaves that allow carbon dioxide to enter and oxygen to exit.

What two stages comprise photosynthesis?

The two stages are the light reactions and the Calvin cycle.

What is produced as a by-product during the light reactions of photosynthesis?

Oxygen is released as a by-product during the light reactions.

What is the role of NADPH in photosynthesis?

NADPH serves as a reducing power for the Calvin cycle, facilitating the conversion of CO2 to sugar.

What is the purpose of the Calvin cycle?

The Calvin cycle assembles sugar molecules using CO2 and the energy-rich products of light reactions.

What are C4 and CAM plants, and how do they differ in carbon fixation?

C4 plants fix CO2 into a four-carbon compound and can conserve water by closing their stomata, while CAM plants open their stomata at night to fix CO2 for use during the day.

What does the process of photorespiration entail?

Photorespiration occurs when rubisco adds oxygen to RuBP instead of CO2, resulting in the breakdown of a two-carbon product.

How does increasing atmospheric CO2 affect plant productivity?

Higher CO2 levels can increase plant productivity by enhancing photosynthesis.

What are the potential effects of global climate change on plant life?

Predicted effects include increased plant productivity, changes in growth patterns, and challenges due to extreme weather conditions.

What role does ATP play in photosynthesis?

ATP provides the necessary energy for the Calvin cycle and other cellular processes.

Why is photosynthesis considered a redox process?

Photosynthesis involves the reduction of CO2 to sugar and the oxidation of water to oxygen.

What factors contribute to the significance of photosynthesis in the ecosystem?

Photosynthesis provides food and oxygen for almost all living organisms, supporting life on Earth.

What experimental method was used to study the effects of elevated CO2 on plants in the FACE experiment?

The FACE experiment involved monitoring an intact forest ecosystem under controlled elevated CO2 levels for 15 years.