Key Concepts in Photosynthesis and Carbon Cycle

What is photosynthesis?

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

What roles do roots play in plants?

Roots anchor the plant, absorb water and nutrients from the soil, and store energy.

What is xylem?

Xylem is the tissue in vascular plants responsible for the transport of water and dissolved minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant.

What is phloem?

Phloem is the tissue responsible for the transport of sugars and other metabolic products downward from the leaves.

What are stomata?

Stomata are small openings on the surfaces of leaves that allow for gas exchange, including the intake of carbon dioxide and the release of oxygen.

How does water enter plants and get to the leaves?

Water enters plants through the roots and is transported to the leaves via the xylem.

How does carbon dioxide enter plants?

Carbon dioxide enters plants through the stomata.

What are pigments?

Pigments are substances that absorb light and are responsible for the color of plants.

What are photosynthetic pigments?

Photosynthetic pigments are pigments that play a role in the process of photosynthesis by capturing light energy.

What is the main pigment plants use to capture the light energy they use for photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll.

What color does chlorophyll appear and why?

Chlorophyll appears green because it absorbs blue and red light while reflecting green light.

What color do carotenoids appear?

Carotenoids appear yellow, orange, or red.

What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis written in words?

Carbon dioxide + Water + Light energy → Glucose + Oxygen.

What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis written in chemical symbols?

6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂.

What do plants do with the glucose they make during photosynthesis?

Plants use glucose for energy, store it as starch, or use it to build other organic compounds.

What do plants do with the oxygen they make during photosynthesis?

Plants release oxygen into the atmosphere as a byproduct.

What occurs during cellular respiration?

Cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

What organisms perform cellular respiration?

All aerobic organisms, including plants, animals, and many microorganisms.

What are the three most important ways humans benefit from photosynthesis?

Oxygen production, food supply, and carbon dioxide reduction.

Overall, has the amount of carbon on Earth changed since Earth formed?

No, the total amount of carbon on Earth has remained relatively constant.

What is the carbon cycle?

The carbon cycle is the process through which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms.

What are carbon reservoirs?

Carbon reservoirs are natural systems that store carbon, such as forests, oceans, and soil.

What are carbon flux mechanisms?

Carbon flux mechanisms are processes that move carbon between reservoirs, including photosynthesis and respiration.

Which flux mechanisms move carbon into the atmosphere?

Cellular respiration, burning wood, burning fossil fuels, tilling soil, and decomposition.

Which flux mechanisms remove carbon from the atmosphere?

Photosynthesis.

What are greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse gases are gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

What evidence is there that climate change is occurring?

Rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, and increased frequency of extreme weather events.

What factors determine Earth's temperature?

Factors include greenhouse gas concentrations, solar radiation, and Earth's albedo.