Photosynthesis and Plant Adaptations

These flashcards cover key concepts about photosynthesis, plant adaptations (C4 and CAM plants), and the Calvin Cycle, essential for understanding plant biology and their role in ecology.

How do C4 plants handle photosynthesis differently?

C4 plants move CO2 to bundle sheath cells where the Calvin cycle happens, preventing Rubisco from encountering oxygen and reducing photorespiration.

What is the mechanism of CAM plants for handling CO2?

CAM plants take in CO2 at night to form a carbon molecule that is stored, then the Calvin cycle occurs during the day when stomata are closed.

What is the Calvin Cycle, and where does it occur?

The Calvin Cycle occurs in the stroma of chloroplasts and involves three phases: carbon fixation, reduction, and regeneration of RuBP.

How many turns of the Calvin Cycle are required to produce one glucose molecule?

Two turns of the Calvin Cycle are needed to create one glucose molecule.

What issue arises from the use of Rubisco in C3 plants?

Rubisco can bind to oxygen instead of carbon dioxide during photorespiration, which occurs in high oxygen concentrations.

What is the chemical reaction formula for photosynthesis?

6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2, representing a redox reaction where CO2 is reduced to glucose and water is oxidized to oxygen.

Why do plants appear green?

Plants appear green because chlorophyll reflects green light and absorbs red and blue light for photosynthesis.

Where do light reactions occur in plants?

Light reactions occur in the thylakoid membrane of chloroplasts.

What are the major inputs and products of the light reactions?

Inputs are light energy and water, and products are oxygen, ATP, and NADPH.

What role does Photosystem II play in the light reactions?

Photosystem II absorbs light and excites electrons, which are then used in the electron transport chain to create ATP and NADPH.

Where is photosynthesis situated in the food chain?

Photosynthesis occurs in the producers of the food chain.

What is the function of the leaf in plants?

The leaf is the primary site of photosynthesis in plants.

What is mesophyll?

Mesophyll is the tissue in the interior of the leaf where photosynthesis takes place.

What is the role of veins in leaves?

Veins are structures in the leaf that transport water and nutrients.

What is stroma/stomata?

Stroma is the fluid-filled space surrounding the grana in chloroplasts, and stomata are the pores on the leaf surface for gas exchange.

What is a chloroplast?

Chloroplasts are organelles where photosynthesis takes place.

What are thylakoids?

Thylakoids are membrane-bound compartments inside the chloroplasts.

What are grana?

Grana are stacks of thylakoids.