B8 Photosynthesis Flashcards
What is photosynthesis?
The process of making soluble foods from carbon dioxide and water
Where do plants get the light energy needed for photosynthesis from?
The sun
How do plants absorb the sunlight needed for light energy in photosynthesis?
The green chlorophyll in chloroplasts absorb the light energy
What is the word equation for photosynthesis?
Carbon dioxide + Water —–> Glucose + Oxygen
What is the symbol equation for photosynthesis?
6(CO2) + 6(H2O) —–> C6,H12,O6 + 6(O2)
Why are most leaves very thin?
To give themselves a larger surface area for light too land on to increase photosynthesis
What factors can affect the rate of photosynthesis?
- Light
- Temprature
- Carbon dioxide concentrations
- Chlorophyll levels in the leaf
What happens to the photosynthesis rate as the light intensity increases?
As the light intensity increases the photosynthesis rate also increases (until another factor affects it)
What happens too the photosynthesis rate as the carbon dioxide concentration increases?
As the carbon dioxide concentration increases the photosynthesis rate also increases (until another factor affects it)
What happens too the photosynthesis rate as the temprature increases?
As the temprature increases, the photosynthesis rate increases UNTIL it gets too hot and the enzymes are denatured
What will happen too the amount of photosynthesis that takes place if the amount of chlorophyll in a leaf is limited?
Less photosynthesis will take place
What is the relationship between the light intensity and the distance of the light?
As the distance of the light increases, the intensity of the light decreases.
What is the inverse square law in light intensity?
If you double the distance between the light and the plant, the light intensity falls by a quater
What are some uses of glucose in plants?
- Repair and replacement of damaged parts
- To make fats and oils
- Energy stored as starch
- Used immediately to provide energy source for respiration
- To make cellulose (the main structural material in cell walls)
Why do plants have to convert glucose into starch?
Plants cannot store glucose, so they convert it into starch. Starch is insoluble so it can be stored easily.
