Bioenergetics Flashcards
What is photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen using light energy.
Where does photosynthesis occur in plants?
Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts, which are subcellular structures found in the leaves.
What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?
Chlorophyll is a pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy necessary for photosynthesis.
Write the chemical equation for photosynthesis.
The chemical equation for photosynthesis is 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2.
What type of reaction is photosynthesis classified as?
Photosynthesis is classified as an endothermic reaction because it requires light energy from the environment
How do plants obtain carbon dioxide for photosynthesis?
Plants obtain carbon dioxide through diffusion into the leaves via the stomata.
How do plants acquire water for photosynthesis?
Plants acquire water from the soil through their roots, which is then transported to the leaves via the xylem.
What are the primary uses of glucose in plants?
Plants primarily use glucose for respiration, cellulose production, starch production, amino acid production, and oils and fats production.
What is cellulose and how is it produced?
Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate produced by combining glucose molecules to strengthen plant cell walls.
How does glucose function in plant respiration?
In respiration, glucose is broken down to release energy, acting like a battery for the plant.
What is starch and why is it important for plants?
Starch is a complex carbohydrate used for long-term glucose storage, being more compact and insoluble than glucose.
How do plants produce amino acids?
Plants produce amino acids by combining glucose molecules with nitrate ions from the soil.
What is the significance of oils and fats in plants?
Oils and fats serve as future energy resources, particularly for seeds in plants.
What factors affect the rate of photosynthesis?
The rate of photosynthesis is affected by light intensity, temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and the amount of chlorophyll.
Why is glucose essential for plant growth?
Glucose is essential for plant growth as it is the primary energy source and building block for various biochemical processes.
What are the four main factors affecting photosynthesis?
The four main factors are light intensity, temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, and chlorophyll levels.
How does chlorophyll affect photosynthesis?
Chlorophyll absorbs light energy needed for photosynthesis, and lower levels of chlorophyll result in reduced photosynthesis.
What can cause a decrease in chlorophyll levels in plants?
Chlorophyll levels can decrease due to disease, environmental stress, or nutrient deficiencies.
What is the relationship between light intensity and the rate of photosynthesis?
As light intensity increases, the rate of photosynthesis also increases until it plateaus when another factor becomes limiting.
What does a plateau in a light intensity vs. photosynthesis graph indicate?
A plateau indicates that another factor, such as carbon dioxide concentration or temperature, is limiting the rate of photosynthesis.
How does carbon dioxide concentration affect photosynthesis?
Increasing carbon dioxide concentration leads to a higher rate of photosynthesis until it also reaches a plateau.
What is the significance of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis?
Temperature initially increases the rate of photosynthesis due to faster enzyme activity, but it eventually decreases as enzymes denature at high temperatures.
At what temperature do enzymes involved in photosynthesis typically denature?
Enzymes are generally fully denatured by around 45°C, causing the rate of reaction to fall to zero.
What do multi-factor graphs demonstrate in photosynthesis studies?
Multi-factor graphs can show how different limiting factors, like temperature or carbon dioxide, affect the rate of photosynthesis simultaneously.
How can farmers optimize conditions for photosynthesis in crops?
Farmers can use greenhouses, artificial lighting, carbon dioxide enrichment, and fertilizers to create optimal growth conditions.
What is the benefit of using paraffin heaters in greenhouses?
Paraffin heaters release both heat and carbon dioxide, which can enhance the rate of photosynthesis.
What role do greenhouses play in enhancing photosynthesis?
Greenhouses trap heat, provide artificial light, and reduce pest access, all of which can enhance photosynthesis.
Why is it important for farmers to consider the cost of optimizing photosynthesis?
Farmers must balance the costs of creating optimal conditions with the expected increase in crop yield to ensure profitability.
What happens to the rate of photosynthesis if multiple factors are limiting?
If multiple factors are limiting, the rate of photosynthesis will be restricted by the factor that is at its lowest level.
How does environmental stress affect chlorophyll production?
Environmental stress can damage chloroplasts, leading to decreased chlorophyll production and reduced photosynthesis.
Why might a plant with high chlorophyll levels still have a low rate of photosynthesis?
A plant might have high chlorophyll levels but still experience low photosynthesis due to limiting factors like low light or carbon dioxide.
What is the effect of temperature on enzyme activity related to photosynthesis?
Temperature increases enzyme activity initially, but excessive heat leads to enzyme denaturation and decreased photosynthesis.
How are chlorophyll levels measured in plants?
Chlorophyll levels can be inferred through colorimetric assays or spectrophotometric analysis of leaf samples.
What is the role of fertilizers in enhancing photosynthesis?
Fertilizers provide essential minerals that support plant health and optimize photosynthesis.
How does increased carbon dioxide concentration affect plant growth in greenhouses?
Increased carbon dioxide concentration can significantly enhance the rate of photosynthesis and thus promote plant growth.
What is cellular respiration?
Cellular respiration is an exothermic reaction that transfers energy from glucose and continuously occurs in living cells.
How do organisms use energy from respiration?
Organisms use energy to build larger molecules, for muscular contraction, and to maintain body temperature.
What are the two types of respiration?
The two types of respiration are aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration.
What is aerobic respiration?
Aerobic respiration is the most efficient type of respiration that occurs in the presence of oxygen.
Where does aerobic respiration take place?
Aerobic respiration takes place in the mitochondria of both plants and animals.
What is the word equation for aerobic respiration?
The word equation for aerobic respiration is glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + wate
What is the chemical equation for aerobic respiration?
The chemical equation for aerobic respiration is C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O.
What is anaerobic respiration?
Anaerobic respiration occurs without oxygen and is used by organisms when oxygen levels are insufficient.
What is the word equation for anaerobic respiration in humans?
The word equation for anaerobic respiration in humans is glucose → lactic acid.
What is produced during anaerobic respiration in plants and yeast?
Anaerobic respiration in plants and yeast produces ethanol and carbon dioxide.
Why do organisms prefer aerobic respiration over anaerobic respiration?
Organisms prefer aerobic respiration because it fully breaks down glucose and does not produce toxic lactic acid.
What is fermentation?
Fermentation is the anaerobic process used by yeast, resulting in the production of ethanol and carbon dioxide.
How does fermentation benefit the baking industry?
Fermentation produces carbon dioxide, which forms air pockets in bread, making it light and fluffy.
What role does lactic acid play in anaerobic respiration in humans?
Lactic acid is a byproduct of anaerobic respiration in humans that is toxic and must be removed from the body.
What does it mean when we say that cellular respiration is exothermic?
Exothermic means that cellular respiration releases energy during the process of breaking down glucose.
How is energy from respiration used for muscular contraction?
Energy from respiration is required for muscular contraction, enabling organisms to move their limbs.
What is the main energy source for cellular respiration?
The main energy source for cellular respiration is glucose, which is broken down to release energy.
What happens to glucose during anaerobic respiration?
During anaerobic respiration, glucose is only partially broken down, making the process less efficient.
How does aerobic respiration compare to anaerobic respiration in terms of efficiency?
Aerobic respiration is more efficient than anaerobic respiration because it fully utilizes glucose for energy.
What is cellular respiration’s role during exercise?
Cellular respiration provides the energy required for muscle contractions during exercise.
How does exercise affect breathing rate?
Exercise increases the rate and volume of breathing to supply more oxygen to the muscles.
What is the relationship between heart rate and exercise?
Heart rate increases during exercise to pump oxygen more quickly around the body.
What is aerobic respiration?
Aerobic respiration is a type of cellular respiration that requires oxygen to produce energy.
What is anaerobic respiration?
Anaerobic respiration is a type of cellular respiration that occurs without oxygen, usually during intense exercise.
What are the consequences of anaerobic respiration?
Anaerobic respiration produces lactic acid, which can accumulate in muscles and cause a burning sensation.
What is oxygen debt?
Oxygen debt is the amount of oxygen required to eliminate lactic acid from the body after exercise.
How is lactic acid removed from the body post-exercise?
Lactic acid is transported by blood to the liver, where it reacts with oxygen and is converted back to glucose.
How do you measure breathing rate?
Breathing rate is measured by counting the number of times the chest rises and falls in one minute.
How do you measure heart rate?
Heart rate is measured by placing two fingers on an artery in the wrist or neck to feel the pulse.
What effect does sprinting have on respiration?
Sprinting can lead to insufficient oxygen supply, forcing cells to rely on anaerobic respiration.
Why is anaerobic respiration considered less efficient than aerobic respiration?
Anaerobic respiration produces less energy per glucose molecule compared to aerobic respiration.
What physiological changes occur during intense exercise?
Increased energy demand leads to elevated heart rate, breathing rate, and the necessity for anaerobic respiration.
What happens to lactic acid during recovery from exercise?
During recovery, lactic acid is converted back to glucose in the liver using oxygen.
Why do athletes pant after intense exercise?
Athletes pant to repay the oxygen debt incurred from lactic acid buildup during exercise.
What happens to cellular respiration during exercise?
During exercise, cellular respiration increases to meet the higher energy demands of muscle contractions.
