B8 Photosynthesis Flashcards
What type of reaction is photosynthesis?
endothermic
What is the process of photosynthesis?
- algea/plant leaf cells contain green chloroplasts, which contain chlorophyll
- during photosynthesis, energy is transferred from surroundings to chloroplasts by light
- used to convert CO2 + H2O into glucose and oxygen
- oxygen is released to the air
-glucose is either used for respiration by cells or stored as insoluble starch
Where does the energy from photosynthesis come from?
- the breaking of carbon dioxide and water molecule bonds
- from environment by light
What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis?
6CO2 + 6H2O-> C6H12O6 + 6O2
How are leaves adapted for Photosynthesis?
- broad leaves, large SA for light to fall on
- thin leaves, short diffusion distances for gas
- contain chlorophyll in chloroplasts, absorb light
- veins, bring water from xylem to cells, remove photosynthesis products in phloem
- air spaces, allow CO2 to stomata, regulate gas exchange
- guard cells open + close stomata, regulate gas exchange
How are algae adapted for photosynthesis?
aquatic, adapted in the water
- Large SA
- Absorb CO2 dissolved in water
- Oxygen produced also absorbs into water when released
What do plants need to photosynthesise?
light intensity, temperature and CO2 concentration
What is a Limiting Factor in photosynthesis?
When light intensity, temperature or CO2 concentration are in short supply and limit the amount of photosynthesis a plant can manage
How does light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis?
Plenty of light- lots of photosynthesis
Little to No light- photosynthesis stops
(most plants: brighter light= faster rate of photosynthesis)
How does Temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis?
Temp rises- photosynthesis increases (enzyme controlled reaction speeds up)
Enzymes denature around 40-50 degrees
Temp is too high- enzymes denature, rate of photosynthesis decreases
How does Carbon Dioxide Concentration affect the rate of photosynthesis?
Carbon dioxide is scarce in atmosphere, often limits rate of reaction
Sunny day- low CO2 level
Night time- increase CO2 concentration, plants respire but don’t photosynthesise
Lab/Greenhouse- artificially increase CO2 levels, as conc increases, rates of photosynthesis increase
How do the levels of Chlorophyll in a leaf effect the rate of photosynthesis?
Limited chlorophyll- limited photosynthesis
lack of magnesium= lack of chlorophyll, low photosynthesis rates, plant can die
What is the relationship between light intensity and distance between plant and light source?
Light intensity is inversely proportional to distance^2 between plant and light source
What is the chemical equation for respiration?
6O2 + C6H12O6 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O
What are the uses for energy transferred during respiration?
- build smaller molecules into bigger molecules: plants build glucose-> cellulose (complex carbohydrate), STRENGTHEN CELL WALLS
- convert some glucose into starch (main energy store in a plant)
- convert some glucose into amino acids (build into proteins, many uses ie enzyme)
- convert some glucose to build up fats and oils, energy store in seeds or make cell walls stronger