Bioenergetics Flashcards
What is photosynthesis?
The process by which plants synthesise glucose using light energy from the Sun
light energy is converted into chemical energy
Where does photosynthesis take place?
within chloroplasts in leaf palisade cells, they contain chlorophyll (a pigment which absorbs light energy)
State the word equation for photosynthesis
carbon dioxide + water –> glucose + oxygen
State the symbol equation for photosynthesis
6CO2 + 6H2O –> C6H12O6 +6O2
Is photosynthesis an endothermic or exothermic reaction, and why?
endothermic - energy is transferred from the environment to chloroplasts by light
How can you show that a plant gives off oxygen during photosynthesis?
Using a water plant (like Elodea), collect gas bubbles that are produced during photosynthesis. The gas will relight a glowing splint because it contains oxygen
Give 6 examples of leaf adaptations which maximise the rate of photosynthesis
- broad leaves - maximise surface area
- thin leaves - short diffusion distance
- chlorophyll preset - trap light energy
- veins - transport water to leaves via xylem, remove photosynthesis products via phloem
- air spaces - allow CO2 to enter and O2 to leave
- guard cells - control opening of stomata for gaseous exchange and prevent water loss
What are the 4 main factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis?
- temperature
- light intensity
- carbon dioxide concentration
- amount of chlorophyll
How does temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis?
- increasing the temp increases the rate of photosynthesis as the kinetic energy of particles is increases
- the rate decreases past a certain temp as enzymes become denatured
How does light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis?
increasing light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis until another factor becomes limiting
How does carbon dioxide concentration affect the rate of photosynthesis?
increasing CO2 concentration increases the rate of photosynthesis (until another factor becomes limiting) because CO2 is required to make glucose
How does the amount of chlorophyll affect the rate of photosynthesis?
Decreasing amount of chlorophyll (e.g: due to a lack of magnesium) decreases the rate of photosynthesis as chlorophyll is required to absorb light energy
What is a limiting factor?
an environmental factor which can restrict the rate of photosynthesis (e.g: light intensity)
Explain how you can calculate the rate of photosynthesis by measuring oxygen production
- set up bubble potometer apparatus (pondweed in a sealed tube of water, attached to a capillary tube and a gas syringe)
- oxygen gas produced causes the bubble in the capillary tube to move, the distance moved by the bubble is used to calculate the volume of oxygen produced
How can farmers use their knowledge of limiting factors to increase their profits?
control temp, light intensity & CO2 concentration to achieve the fastest possible rate of photosynthesis, leading to a greater yield