Photosynthesis Lecture Review

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the definition, structural components, phases, importance, and experimental investigations related to photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis

The process where light is used ($photo$) to manufacture ($synthesis$) energy in green plants.

Thylakoid

Disc shaped membranes within the chloroplast that contain chlorophyll.

Granum

A stack of thylakoids located inside the chloroplast.

Lamella

The membranes that make up the thylakoids within a chloroplast.

Stroma

The liquid part of the chloroplast where the light independent phase occurs.

Starch granule

The structure where glucose produced during photosynthesis is stored as starch.

Chloroplast DNA

The component of the chloroplast that contains genetic information.

Photolysis

The process during the light phase where radiant energy is used to split water molecules into hydrogen atoms and oxygen.

Phosphorylation

The process in the light phase where radiant energy is used to form the energy-carrier $ATP$ according to the equation $ADP + P \rightarrow ATP$.

Adenosine triphosphate ($ATP$)

An energy-carrier molecule formed during the light phase and used during the dark phase.

NADPH

The co-enzyme responsible for carrying hydrogen ions to the dark phase.

Dark phase (Calvin cycle)

The light independent phase occurring in the stroma where $CO_2$ and hydrogen atoms combine using energy from $ATP$ to form glucose.

Cuticle

The waxy layer of a leaf that serves to reduce water loss.

Epidermis

The transparent layer of the leaf that allows light to pass through to the mesophyll tissues.

Palisade mesophyll

Leaf tissue containing intercellular air spaces to allow for gaseous exchange and chloroplasts to trap sunlight.

Stomata (Stoma)

Pores that allow for gaseous exchange and can close to reduce the transpiration rate.

Limiting factors

Variables such as carbon dioxide concentration, light intensity, or temperature that can reduce the rate of photosynthesis if not at the optimum level.

Denature

The result of temperature rising higher than the optimum amount, causing enzymes to no longer function.

Greenhouse

A structure with a transparent roof and walls used to maintain optimal levels of light, temperature, and carbon dioxide for crop yields.

Greenhouse effect

A natural phenomenon where heat is trapped in the Earth's atmosphere by carbon dioxide.

Destarching

The process of placing a plant in a dark cupboard for $48\text{ hours}$ to ensure it uses its stored starch before an investigation.

Starch test

A procedure using iodine solution to determine if photosynthesis occurred; a positive result turns the leaf blue-black.

Sodium hydroxide

A substance (also potassium hydroxide or soda lime) used in investigations to remove or absorb carbon dioxide from the air.

Sodium bicarbonate

A substance used in investigations to release carbon dioxide into a sealed environment like a bell jar.