B8 - Photosynthesis - Complete Flashcards
Why type of reaction is photosynthesis?
Endothermic, as it takes in energy from its surroundings in order to be performed
Where does photosynthesis take place predominantly in plants?
The leaves
What substance does chloroplasts contain?
Chlorophyll
What is the chemical formula for glucose?
C6 H12 O6
What is the word equation of photosynthesis?
Carbon dioxide + Water —-> Oxygen + Glucose
How does photosynthesis take in energy?
Through absorbing the light energy around it
What happens to the glucose produced during photosynthesis?
Some of it is converted back into energy straight away through the use of respiration, however most of it is stored as insoluble starch
Give 3 ways leaves are well adapted to performing photosynthesis
They are thin so the diffusion distances for gases are short, most of them are broad so they can absorb sunlight easily, they contain chlorophyll in the chloroplasts to absorb light, they have veins so water can easily get into them, they have air spaces so CO2 and Oxygen can easily come and go
What are 3 things plants need to grow?
Warmth, light and Carbon Dioxide
What is a limiting factor?
Something that prohibits an increase in rate of reaction from being optimal if it is in short supply
Why is light a limiting factor?
As a plant needs it to get the energy to power photosynthesis - since it is a endothermic reaction
Why is temperature a limiting factor?
Temperature affects all chemical reactions - including photosynthesis. It provides energy and so often raises the rate of reaction if it is in high supply. However, since photosynthesis is controlled by enzymes above 40 - 50 C they will denature and the effect would become negative
Why is carbon dioxide a limiting factor?
CO2 is a limiting factor as it is needed to carry out the process of photosynthesis
What problems in relation to photosynthesis could a lack of magnesium cause in a plant and why?
As it would be unable to make too much chlorophyll and therefore unable to fully photosynthesise - which may eventually lead to the plant’s death
What is the reverse of photosynthesis chemically?
Respiration
Why complex carbohydrate can be made from glucose to enforce a plant’s cell walls?
Cellulose
Why does a plant have convert glucose to starch when it stores it within the cells?
As glucose is insoluble and would therefore effect how water moves throughout the plant and its cells, if this happened on a large scale it could disrupt the plant’s water distribution and how it works on a largely negative scale
Where can starch be found?
In leaf cells for when light levels are low or it is dark, and in tubers and bulbs that have lots of it in order to make sure that they survive through the winter
What, other than starch, can glucose be used to make?
Amino acids for use in proteins such as enzymes
Where in a plant are you most likely to find fats and oils in a high concentration?
Within its seeds - as they are made so they new plant has food to grow
Why do greenhouses make plants grow faster and better?
As they keep the atmosphere warm which is good for the plants and protects those that easily prone to specific diseases or that struggle to survive outside
What is hydroponics?
When plants are grown in specifically made nutrient - rich water mixture that is perfect for plants growth in order to make sure that its growth rate is maximal
Name 2 economic positives of greenhouses
The ground doesn’t have to ploughed and doesn’t have to be very good. Less staff needs to hired, turnover is quick and therefore profits are high: less work for more product. The final crop is much larger and cleaner.
Name 2 economic negatives of greenhouses
The monitoring system is expensive, and if it malfunctions and no-one notices then it would cause a colossal problem. A lot of planning has to go into making sure the conditions are just perfect.