2.3 Photosynthesis

Question 1

What is the equation for photosynthesis?

Answer 1

Question 2

What’s the purpose of photosynthesis?

Answer 2

To produce food (glucose) for plants

Question 3

Describe photosynthesis

Answer 3

1. Sunlight is absorbed by chlorophyll, found in the chloroplasts
2. This energy is used to convert CO₂ and water into glucose and oxygen

Question 4

What affects the rate of photosynthesis? (3)

Answer 4

• Light intensity
  
  • Not enough light → not enough energy
• Amount of CO₂
  
  • Not enough CO₂ → nothing can be converted into glucose
• Temperature
  
  • Too cold → enzymes won’t function efficiently
  • Too warm → enzymes will denature

Question 5

How is glucose used in plants?

Answer 5

• For respiration to release energy
• Convert it into cellulose for making cell walls
• Combined with nitrate ions to make amino acids which can be used to make proteins
• Turned into lipids for storing in seeds
• Turned into starch for storing in roots, stems and leaves