Biology - Plant Physiology flash cards

What is Chlorophyll and what is it’s role?

It is a light sensitive pigment found in chloroplasts. To trap light, which provides energy needed for photosynthesis.

What are the Stomata(Stoma)?

Small pores mainly on the Lower epidermis of leaves that allow for gas exchange by letting carbon dioxide in and diffused water vapour out.

What are the Epidermis?

The outer layer of cells covering leaves, it has few chloroplasts and an outer layer called the cuticle which provides protection from bacteria and fungi and reduces water loss.

What is the (Balanced) equation for photosynthesis?

The balanced equation for photosynthesis is 6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂. This requires light energy to work.

What are Palisade Mesophyll and what are their adaptations?

A tissue in the leaf under the upper epidermis that contains many chloroplasts and are tightly packed to maximize surface area for photosynthesis. It is where light absorption happens.

What are Spongy Mesophyll and what are their adaptations?

A layer of tissue in the leaf located beneath the palisade mesophyll, which contains loosely packed cells with space in between for gas exchange. It has a large surface area to increase the diffusion of carbon dioxide and oxygen and have few chloroplasts.

Leaf Diagram (For reference)

How is a leaf adapted to carry out photosynthesis?

It is flat with a large surface area, thin, has air spaces and stomata, large amount of chloroplasts and veins.

What are the use of nitrate ions in plants and what are their deficiencies?

Making amino acids, proteins, chlorophyll, DNA and many other compounds. Deficiencies are: limited growth, and older leaves turning yellow.

What are the use of phosphate ions in plants and what are their deficiencies?

Making DNA and other compounds; part of cell membranes. Deficiencies are: Poor root growth, younger leaves turn purple.

What are the use of potassium ions in plants and what are their deficiencies?

Needed for enzymes of respiration and photosynthesis to work. Deficiencies are: leaves turn yellow with dead spots.

What are the use of magnesium ions in plants and what are their deficiencies?

Part of chlorophyll molecule. Deficiencies include: all leaves turn yellow.

What are the role of guard cells?

They change their shape to open/close the stomata. Two of them form a singular Stoma.