Photosynthesis/Plants Biology Quiz

Why are leaves flat and angled?

maximize sunlight exposure

Where are chloroplasts are concentrated on?

Upper side

For the BEST and most OPTIMAL photosynthesis to occur it is required that

chloroplasts are well-positioned within leaf cells to capture maximum light.

Competition strategies for trees

• Height of trunks (higher ones reach above others for light)

• Forest layers:

  • canopy, understory, shrub, forest floor

• Trade-off: building tall trunks requires more energy and resources, yet provides better access to sunlight

Competition strategies for Lianas/Vines

• Climb trees to reach light

• Compete with trees for:

  • Sunlight

  • Minerals

  • Space on the forest floor

  • Can damage or kill trees if heavily entangled

Competition strategies for Epiphytes (moss, orchids, etc)

• Grow on trees not in soil

• Absorb water from:

  • rain trickling down branches

  • humidity in the air

• Do not harm trees directly

• Adapted to survive with minimal water

• Overwatering epiphytic houseplants (orchids) can kill them

Which kind of light is best for photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll A

What kind of light Chlorophyll A?

violet-blue and red light work best for photosynthesis

What are examples of accessory pigments?

Chlorophyll B and carotenoids

Why do leaves change color in the fall?

Leaves change color in the fall due to the breakdown of chlorophyll, revealing other pigments they’ve always had such as carotenoids and anthocyanins.

What is the worst light for plants to “absorb”

Green

What is the equation for photosynthesis?

6CO2 + 6H2O + C6H12O6 + 6O2

What are the two part processes for photosynthesis

Light-dependent reactions and Calvin cycle/carbon fixation

What are all the of parts of the Chloroplast?

Outer Membrane, inner Membrane, Thylakoid, Granum, Stroma, Lamella

What is the Thylakoid of the Chloroplast?

A flattened membrane - bound sac that contains light absorbing pigments. Site of light reactions of photosynthesis

What is the Granum of the Chloroplast?

Stack of Thylakoids

What is the Stroma of the Chloroplast?

Aqueous solution filling chloroplasts, and is the site of the Calvin cycle

What is the Lamella of the Chloroplast?

Thin membrane that holds thylakoids in place to maximize light exposure