Photosynthesis

Q1: What is the purpose of photosynthesis?
A: To convert solar energy into chemical energy stored in glucose.

Q2: What is the overall equation for photosynthesis?
A: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + light → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂

Q3: In which organelle does photosynthesis occur?
A: The chloroplast.

Q4: What are the two major stages of photosynthesis?
A: The light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions).

Q5: Where do the light-dependent reactions occur?
A: In the thylakoid membranes.

Q6: What are the inputs of the light-dependent reactions?
A: Light, water (H₂O), ADP, and NADP⁺.

Q7: What are the outputs of the light-dependent reactions?
A: ATP, NADPH, and oxygen (O₂).

Q8: What is the role of chlorophyll?
A: It absorbs light energy, especially in the blue and red wavelengths.

Q9: What happens to water during the light reactions?
A: It is split (photolysis) to release electrons, protons (H⁺), and oxygen.

Q10: What is the role of NADP⁺ in photosynthesis?
A: It acts as an electron carrier, becoming NADPH when reduced.

Q11: What enzyme is responsible for ATP synthesis in the light reactions?
A: ATP synthase.

Q12: What is chemiosmosis in photosynthesis?
A: The use of a proton gradient to produce ATP in the thylakoid membrane.

Q13: Where does the Calvin cycle take place?
A: In the stroma of the chloroplast.

Q14: What are the inputs of the Calvin cycle?
A: CO₂, ATP, and NADPH.

Q15: What is the main output of the Calvin cycle?
A: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆).

Q16: What molecule does CO₂ first combine with in the Calvin cycle?
A: RuBP (ribulose bisphosphate).

Q17: What enzyme catalyzes the carbon fixation step?
A: Rubisco.

Q18: Why is the Calvin cycle called the "light-independent" reaction?
A: It doesn’t require light directly but depends on ATP and NADPH from the light reactions.

Q19: What are thylakoids?
A: Membrane-bound sacs in the chloroplast where light reactions occur.

Q20: What is the stroma?
A: The fluid-filled space around the thylakoids where the Calvin cycle takes place.

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