Adaptations to Photosynthesis

Question 1

What is Photorespiration?

Answer 1

• Rubisco binds with CO2 in the first step of the Calvin Cycle, but can also bind with O2.
• CO2 and O2 compete with each other for the binding site on RUBISCO.

Question 2

What is the Maximum Efficiency of Photosynthesis?

Answer 2

The maimum efficiency is 30% and generally only 0.1-3% in nature.

Question 3

When does CO2 get converted to Crassulacean Acid in CAM?

Answer 3

It gets converted at night and is used up during the day by rubisco to make ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate.

Question 4

How do plants reduce water loss?

Answer 4

It uses guard cells that would open and close their stomata which would reduce water loss.

Question 5

What are some factors that affect the Rate of Photosynthesis?

Answer 5

1. Light Intensity
2. Carbon Dioxide Concentration
3. Temperature
   - Humans can improve the rate of photosynthesis in crops by controlling factors such as light, etc.