General Bio I- Lab 8 Photosynthesis

Light Dependent Reaction

The first phase of photosynthesis that uses light energy to move electrons and produce ATP and NADPH in the membrane. That will later fuel the Calvin cycle.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and other organism produce chemical energy by converting light energy

Nonlight dependent reactions (Calvin Cycle)

The second stage of photosynthesis. A biochemical pathway that releases for several reactions to be done that uses carbon fixation and past ATP and NADPH. That requires rubisco and other enzymes to develop glucose and oxygen

Carbon Fixation

the process where CO2 and water turn into glucose and oxygen within the Calvin cycle.

Chromatography

A method used to separate and isolate the components of a mixture based on their hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties.

Solvent

A substance that dissolves another substance (solute)

Chloroplast

An organelle that starts photosynthesis when hit by the sun

Cuvette system

Small rectangular tube used to hold water samples that are able to absorb specific light wavelengths.

What is the purpose of using DPIP in this experiment?

Chemical that identifies the presence of electrons by competing with NADP+. Measures the rate of Photosynthesis.

What does a decrease in DPIP absorbance indicate?

A decrease indicates that there is active electron transport of photosynthesis.

Why is cuvette left in the dark?

The solo cuvette works as a control to see the impacts of light for photosynthesis and the thylakoid extract.

How does light intensity effects photosynthesis rate?

Depicts the speed of photosynthesis as it is the power source for the creation of ATP and NADP.

What does thylakoid extract do?

Thylakoid extract mimics and supports the process that occurs within the chloroplast during photosynthesis.

Which cuvette system showed the greatest decrease in absorbance and why?

Cuvette 2 as it has white light, DPIP, and Thylakoids. The thylakoid extract exposed to light enhances the electron transport.

Can boiled Thylakoid extract perform photosynthesis?

This form of thylakoid extract cannot perform photosynthesis as the proteins have been denatured.

What is the purpose of a solvent, why must it be kept below the pigment level?

Solvents is a liquid that dissolves the sample components. It must be kept below the pigment level for them not to dissolve and disappear into the solvent.

Colors that can present on a Chromatography?

There can be 6 different colors.

Betalains

The red or yellow pigments found in some pants that appear with red or yellow bands

Anthocyanins

Water soluble pigments that give off red, purple, or blue depending on Ph. They can appear as red or purple bands

Carotenoids

Xanthophylls give yellow pigment and carotenes that give red orange pigments that absorb blue and green light. They appear yellow and red orange banding,

Chlorophylls

There are 2 types A and B. A absorbs violet blue light and red orange light. It reflects blue green colors. B absorbs blue and orange red light it redirects yellow green colors.

Why do plants contain more than one pigment?

The more pigments the more light energy can be captured for a more efficient photosynthesis.

Why is chromatography performed under a chemical fume hood?

The use of acetone during the process is flammable and to avoid breathing in toxins.