C1.3+Photosynthesis

What is photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process by which living organisms convert light energy into chemical energy in carbon compounds.

What are the main products of photosynthesis?

The main products of photosynthesis are carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

How do plants absorb sunlight?

Plants absorb sunlight using pigments in photosystems, which transform and transfer energy.

What role do photosystems play in photosynthesis?

Photosystems absorb light energy and drive the oxidation of water to produce ATP and NADP.

What abiotic factors affect photosynthesis?

Abiotic factors include the availability of carbon dioxide, light intensity, mineral nutrients, temperature, and precipitation.

Why are there no large plants in Antarctica?

Antarctica's freezing temperatures, poor soil quality, lack of sunlight, and frozen water restrict rates of photosynthesis.

What is photolysis?

Photolysis is the reaction that splits water molecules to produce hydrogen ions and oxygen during photosynthesis.

What is the primary source of hydrogen for glucose production in photosynthesis?

The primary source of hydrogen is the splitting of water through photolysis.

What happens to oxygen produced during photosynthesis?

Oxygen diffuses out of chloroplasts into the air spaces of a leaf and then through stomata into the atmosphere.

What pigments are involved in photosynthetic processes?

Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and accessory pigments are involved in photosynthesis.

What is the function of accessory pigments?

Accessory pigments absorb different wavelengths of light and extend the range of light that can be used for photosynthesis.

What is chromatography used for in photosynthesis studies?

Chromatography is used to separate and identify different photosynthetic pigments.

Describe the absorption spectrum of pigments.

An absorption spectrum shows the percentage of light absorbed at each wavelength by pigments.

What does an action spectrum represent?

An action spectrum represents the rate of photosynthesis at each wavelength of light.

What is the relationship between absorption and action spectra?

Photosynthesis occurs at wavelengths absorbed by chlorophyll or other pigments, showing similarities between the two spectra.

How is ATP produced in the light-dependent reactions?

ATP is produced by chemiosmosis in the thylakoids during light-dependent reactions.

What is Rubisco?

Rubisco is an enzyme that catalyzes the fixation of carbon dioxide in the Calvin cycle.

What is the significance of the Calvin cycle?

The Calvin cycle synthesizes carbohydrates, amino acids, and other carbon compounds using ATP and reduced NADP.

How do chloroplasts adapt for photosynthesis?

Chloroplasts have a double membrane, an extensive thylakoid system, and stroma containing enzymes essential for photosynthesis.

What structures in chloroplasts enhance light absorption?

The thylakoid membranes, arranged in stacks called grana, increase the surface area for light absorption.

What is produced as a by-product of photosynthesis?

Oxygen is produced as a by-product of photosynthesis.

Why do chloroplasts contain starch grains?

Starch grains indicate that chloroplasts have been photosynthesizing rapidly and storing energy.

What happens during the conversion of carbon dioxide to glucose?

Carbon dioxide is reduced using hydrogen from water to form glucose.

How does temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis?

Temperature can influence enzyme activity, affecting the rate of photosynthesis.

What role do stomata play in photosynthesis?

Stomata allow the exchange of gases, including the intake of carbon dioxide and release of oxygen.

What is the role of NADP in photosynthesis?

NADP is reduced to NADPH during light-dependent reactions, which is used in the Calvin cycle.

How can light intensity influence photosynthesis?

Increased light intensity generally boosts the rate of photosynthesis until other factors become limiting.

What is the effect of carbon dioxide concentration on photosynthesis?

Increasing carbon dioxide concentration can enhance the rate of photosynthesis until it reaches a saturation point.

What experiments can test limiting factors in photosynthesis?

Experiments can vary carbon dioxide concentration, light intensity, or temperature to assess their impact on photosynthesis.

What is the significance of pigment arrays in a photosystem?

Pigment arrays enhance light absorption, allowing the generation and emission of excited electrons.

What is the difference between the absorption and action spectra?

Absorption spectra show light absorption by pigments, while action spectra measure the rate of photosynthesis at different wavelengths.

What physiological changes occur in leaves for photosynthesis?

Leaves absorb carbon dioxide and sunlight; their structure allows efficient gas exchange and light capture.

How does the structure of chloroplasts relate to their function?

The structure, including thylakoid membranes and enzymes in the stroma, supports efficient photosynthesis.

What is the importance of mineral nutrients in photosynthesis?

Mineral nutrients are essential for healthy plant growth and are required for various biochemical processes.

How do light-dependent and light-independent reactions interdepend?

The light-dependent reactions produce ATP and NADPH, which are needed for the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle).

What are the advantages of using different pigments in photosystems?

Different pigments allow plants to absorb light at various wavelengths, optimizing photosynthetic efficiency.

Describe the photolysis reaction.

Photolysis involves the splitting of water molecules into hydrogen ions and oxygen using light energy.

What happens to absorbed light energy in chlorophyll?

Absorbed light energy excites electrons in chlorophyll, enabling chemical reaction processes in photosynthesis.

How does a proton gradient facilitate ATP synthesis?

A proton gradient across thylakoid membranes drives protons back through ATP synthase, producing ATP from ADP and Pi.

Why is water considered a raw material in photosynthesis?

Water is a necessary reactant in photosynthesis that provides hydrogen for glucose formation.

How do environmental conditions affect photosynthesis rates?

Environmental conditions like temperature, light availability, and nutrient presence can enhance or limit photosynthesis rates.