3.1 (photosynthesis) Flashcards
What can happen to light as it reaches a leaf?
Light will either be
- absorbed
- reflected
- transmitted
What is the main pigment present in chloroplasts in photosynthesis?
Chlorophyll A
What is an absorption spectrum?
Shows the wavelengths of light that are absorbed by the pigments and to what extent each wavelength is absorbed
What is meant by an action spectrum?
Action spectra show the rate of photosynthesis at different wavelengths of light
What is a carotenoid?
A pigment that extends the range of wavelengths absorbed by the plant and pass the energy to chlorophyll for photosynthesis
What can be said about both stages of photosynthesis?
Both stages are enzyme controlled
What is the first stage of photosynthesis called?
Photolysis (taking place in the Granum of the chloroplast)
What is the second stage of photosynthesis called?
The carbon fixations stage, (takes place in the Stroma of the chloroplast)
What is the first thing that happens in photolysis?
Light hits the leaf and when light is absorbed an electrons in the molecule becomes exited
What do exited electrons do in photolysis?
They can be passed through the electron transport chain to bring about the production of ATP by the enzyme ATP synthase
What is the process by which ATP synthase produces ATP?
Phosphorylation
What is the process of photolysis?
When light is absorbed by the leaf the energy is used to break down water molecules into oxygen which is released and hydrogen ions
What happens to the hydrogen ions produced during photolysis?
They bind to the co-enzyme NADP to form NADPH
What molecules are passed on to the carbon fixation stage from the light reactions?
- NADPH
- ATP
What is the correct term for the carbon fixation stage?
The Calvin Cycle
