11.1 overview of photosynthesis

Question 1

how the structure of the leaf links to its function

Answer 1

• a large surface area -> absorb as much light as possible
• minimize overlap of leaves -> avoid shadowing
• thin -> short diffusion pathway
• transparent cuticle and epidermis to photosynthetic mesophyll cells
• long, narrow upper mesophyll cells packed with chloroplasts that collect sunlight
• numerous stomata -> short pathway to mesophyll cells
• stomata open and close in response to changes in light intensity
• many air spaces in the lower mesophyll layer -> rapid diffusion
• network of xylem and phloem to bring water and carry sucrose away

Question 2

what is the function of the leaf?

Answer 2

to bring together water, carbon dioxide and light and remove oxygen and glucose

Question 3

overall equation for photosynthesis

Answer 3

6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2

Question 4

what are the 3 main stages of photosynthesis?

Answer 4

• capturing of light energy
• the light- dependent reaction
• the light- independent reaction

Question 5

what is photolysis?

Answer 5

splitting up of water

Question 6

what are the products of the light- dependent reaction?

Answer 6

NADP, ATP and oxygen

Question 7

where does the light dependent reaction occur?

Answer 7

grana

Question 8

where does the light independent reaction occur?

Answer 8

stroma