AOS2 Flashcards
Photosynthesis
Process of capturing light energy to power the production of glucose as energy.
Photosynthesis Inputs
6CO2 + 12H2O + (sunlight)
Photosynthesis Outputs
C6H12O6 + 6O2 + 6H2O
Stages of photosynthesis
Light-Dependent
Light-Independent
Light-Dependent
The first stage of Photosynthesis.
Occurs in the thylakoid membranes
Light-dependent inputs
- 12 H2O
- 12NADP+
- 18ADP + Pi
Light-dependent outputs
- 6 O2
- 12NADPH
- 18ATP
Light-dependent stages
- Light energy energises chlorophyll which pumps H+ and splits water.
- Oxygen is released from the chloroplast via stromata.
- H+ ions generate NADPH and ATP
- ATP and NADPH coenzymes then move onto the light-independent.
Light Independent
2nd stage of photosynthesis.
Occurs in the Stroma
NO LIGHT IS REQUIRED; reactions are energised by ATP and NADPH in coenzymes.
Enzymes in Photosynthesis
Catalyse reactions.
ATP synthase catalyses the reaction ADP + Pi = ATP.
Enzymes regulate each step ensuring reactions are sped up and controlled.
Coenzymes
Assists with reactions by donating energy.
Include: NADPH + ATP. (loaded)
Form unloaded NADP+ and ADP + Pi
Light-Independent Inputs
- 6 CO2
- 12 NADPH
- 18 ATP
Light-Independent Outputs
- Glucose
- 6 H2O
- 12 NADP+
- 18 ADP + Pi
Light-independent steps
- CO2 enters the Calvin cycle and undergoes an initial reaction.
- NADPH donates hydrogen ions + electrons; ATP breaks into ADP + Pi to release energy
- CO2 molecules change and rearrange.
- Leftover O2 combine with Hydrogen ions from NADPH to form water.
Rubisco
The key enzyme of the light-independent stage.
- Binds to CO2 and facilitates further reactions in photosynthesis.
- Binds to O2 to initiate photorespiration.
Role of rubisco in photosynthesis
Calvin Cycle
Responsible for the initial changes to CO2.
High O2, Low CO2 = More photoresp.
Low O2, High CO2 = Less photoresp.
Produce Glucose; 6G3P; 1G3P leaves to make glucose.
Steps of the Calvin Cycle
- Carbon Fixation.
- Reduction.
- Regeneration.
Carbon Fixation
Conversion of CO2 and RuBP into 3-PGA.
- Carbon from inorganic CO2 is fixed into an organic compound (glucose).
- Rubisco takes carbon from inorganic gaseous form (CO2) and incorporates it into an organic compound (3-PGA).
Reduction
NADH donates electrons to an intermediate 3-carbon molecule in the cycle to produce G3P.
Regeneration
The RuBP molecules needed to start the cycle again are reproduced.
Problem with Rubisco
- Sometimes O2 is used as a substrate instead of CO2.
Without RuBisCO CO2 pairing, PHS cannot proceed.
RuBisCO binds to O2 = Photorespiration.
Less PHS = less glucose + wasted energy. This negatively impacts plants’ ability to grow, survive and reproduce.
Factors influencing RuBisCO
Substrate concentration
Temperature
Substrate concentration (RuBisCO)
More substrate = greater chance of binding to an enzyme + undergoing reaction.
When plants need to conserve water…
Stomata will close causing O2 produced to build up inside cells = increased photorespiration.
Temperature (RuBisCO)
Reg temp = RuBisCO affinity for CO2 is greater than O2.
High Temp = Affinity (attraction) for O2 is higher, leading to RuBisCO binding to oxygen more often, leading to photorespiration.
C3 Plants
No Features to fight photorespiration.
“Normal”
Normal photosynthesis.
No evolved adaptations to minimise photorespiration.
eg. Trees, Cereals, nuts, fruit and vegetables.
C4 Plants
Minimise photoresp by separating initial carbon fixation and the remainder of the Calvin cycle over space.
Light Dependent is different for C4 than C3.
Initial carbon fixation occurs in the mesophyll.
Remainder Calvin cycle in specialised cells (bundle sheath cells).