Bio Lab Exam 1 Flashcards
In what kinds of organisms does photosynthesis occur?
Plants, algae, and SOME bacteria
What is the equation for photosynthesis?
6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ (glucose) + 6O₂
Where does photosynthesis occur?
Chloroplasts (usually, except for cyanobacteria/blue-green algae or other photosynthetic bacteria)
What two processes make up photosynthesis?
- Light Reactions
- Calvin Cycle
What happens in light reactions (photosynthesis)?
- Light energy converted to chemical energy (ATP, NADPH)
- Involves splitting of water molecules into oxygen
What wavelengths encompass the visible light spectrum?
380 nm - 760 nm
What is the role of photosynthetic pigments?
- Found in chloroplasts
- Can absorb photons of light and use in photosynthesis
Name some photosynthetic pigments.
- Chlorophyll a (main), b, c, d
- Carotenoids (Carotene & Xanthophylls)
What color is chlorophyll?
Green
What color are carotenoids?
Yellow, Orange, and Red
What is the calvin cycle?
- Energy from ATP and NADPH is used to convert CO₂ into organic molecules (such as glucose)
- Does not need light (dark reactions)
Which color has the longest/largest wavelength?
Red (760 nm)
Which color has the shortest wavelength?
Violet (380 nm)
What is the role of the sodium bicarbonate in the photosynthesis lab?
Source of CO₂ for photosynthesis
What is the equation for the rate of photosynthesis?
mL O₂ / time (hour)
What was the effect of increased light wattage on the rate of photosynthesis?
↑ Light Intensity = ↑ Rate of Photosynthesis
Would the rate of photosynthesis increase indefinitely?
No, because the CO₂ will be depleted eventually.
What is paper chromatography?
Using a specific type of paper as well as a solvent to separate different solutes/pigments in a solution and analyze their qualities.
What affects how far a pigment can move in paper chromatography?
- Molecular Weight (heavy pigments don’t move as far)
- Solubility in Solvent (more soluble = moves farther)
- Affinity for Paper (higher affinity doesn’t move as far)
What is the equation for Rf?
Pigment Distance / Solvent Distance
What color is chlorophyll a?
blue-ish green
What color is chlorophyll b?
yellowish green
What color is β-carotene?
yellowish orange
What color is xanthophyll?
yellow
Why is photosynthesis important?
- Produces O₂
- Regulates CO₂
- Produces food/energy
What was measured to calculate cell respiration and photosynthesis?
Oxygen