Plant Photosynthesis and Starch Production

Flashcards summarizing key concepts about plant photosynthesis and starch production.

What is the main source of carbohydrate made by plants?

Starch

What color indicates the presence of starch when iodine solution is added?

Blue-black

Why can't you test for starch by adding iodine solution directly to a fresh leaf?

The outer waxy surface prevents absorption and the green color hides the color change.

What must be done to a leaf before testing for starch?

Remove the waxy surface and decolourize the leaf by boiling it in ethanol.

What three conditions are necessary for starch production in leaves?

Carbon dioxide, light, and chlorophyll.

What is starch composed of?

Long chains of glucose.

What is photosynthesis?

The process where plants use carbon dioxide and water in the presence of light energy and chlorophyll to produce glucose and oxygen.

What part of the plant absorbs sunlight to initiate photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll.

What is the main site of photosynthesis in a leaf?

Palisade mesophyll layer.

What are stomata?

Holes or pores in the lower epidermis that allow gases to diffuse in and out of the leaf.

What is the function of xylem?

Transports water and mineral salts from the roots to the leaf.

What does phloem transport?

Organic substances produced by photosynthesis from the leaves to the rest of the plant.

What do plants use glucose for after photosynthesis?

To release energy through respiration or convert into other compounds like starch or cellulose.

What is a polysaccharide?

A carbohydrate made of many sugar sub-units.

What do guard cells do?

Control whether the stoma is open or closed.

What molecules do carbohydrates and lipids consist of?

Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

What additional element do proteins need for their formation?

Nitrogen.