Biology photosynthesis + more notes

What is the basic formula for photosynthesis?

6CO2 + 6H2O --> C6H12O6 + 6O2

What is the definition of photosynthesis?

the process by which plants and other producers convert the energy of sunlight into the energy stored in organic molecules like glucose and sugars

What kinds of organisms perform photosynthesis?

plants & other producers

Where does photosynthesis take place?

Leaves (chloroplast)

Why do most plants appear green?

chlorophyll reflects green light

Where in the chloroplast is the chlorophyll found?

thylakoid membranes - chlorophyll

What is the function of chlorophyll and other pigments?

To capture the light energy of the sun to produce energy

Why does a plant need more than one pigment

To allow for a broader range of energy to be absorbed

Why do fall leaves appear to change colors?

as fall comes chlorophyll does not have the light to utilize it and it breaks down allowing for other pigments like carotene and xanthophyll to become more prominent

What are examples of pigments that plants contain?

xanthophyll, carotene, chlorophyll

What are the two main steps of photosynthesis?

light reactions and calvin cycle

What is the purpose of the light reactions?

convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH

What are photosystems?

clusters of chlorophyll and proteins

Where are photosystems found?

thylakoid membrane - photosystems

What are the reactant and products of the light reactions?

Reactants: NADP, ATP, water

Products: ATP, NADPH, and oxygen

What do plants absorb to take in energy?

Sunlight

During the light reactions what is energy in sunlight converted into?

Oxygen and energy (ATP and NADPH)

Where does the calvin cycle take place?

In the stroma

What are the reactants and products of the calvin cycle?

Reactants: CO2, ATP, NAPH

Products: G3P, ATP, NADP+

If CO2 is removed from a plant's environment, what would one expect to happen to the plants production of sugars?

It would decrease due to lack of photosynthesis occurring without the proper reactants to begin

What chemical energy powers the calvin cycle?

ATP, and NADPH (from light reactions)

What special molecules are made with one turn of the calvin cycle?

2 G3P, 3 ATP, and 2 NADP+

What are the molecules made in the calvin cycle specifically used for?

To produce sugars

Describe the carbon cycle.

1. Carbon dioxide enter the atmosphere through respiration and combustion

2. Carbon dioxide is absorbed by plants to make oxygen through photosynthesis

3. Consumers feed on plants passing the carbon compounds along the food chain

4. Most of the carbon consumed is released as carbon dioxide in respiration

5. When organisms die they are eaten by decomposers and the remaining carbon is returned to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide

What happens to the temperature when there is too much carbon compounds in the environment?

It increases

Why does the average temperature increase when there is too much carbon compounds in the environment?

Because of greenhouse gasses, they absorb the sun's heat that radiates from the Earth's surface and traps in in our atmosphere.

How would deforestation affect the carbon cycle?

by reducing the amount of organisms available to utilize CO2 and release O2

What time of year would you expect the CO2 levels to be at their peak in NJ?

Winter

What is combustion?

the process of burning something

How does combustion affect the carbon cycle?

The burning or combustion of fossil fuels and other things allows for an excess of carbon dioxide to not be used and therefore is trapped in our atmosphere

How does global warming affect the climate?

excess greenhouse gasses caused by humans trap heat inside the atmosphere making it hotter (not naturally)