Biology Farming and Microorganisms Topic-Key Knowledge Flashcards
What do plants need to grow?
-Light
-Water
-Warmth
-Oxygen
-CO2
-Nitrates
-Potassium
-Phosphates
-Magnesium
What key factors affect the rate of photosynthesis?
CO2 concentration, light intensity, temperature
What are nitrates used for?
Protein production
What are phosphates used for?
To produce DNA molecules and cell membranes
What is magnesium used for?
Chlorophyll production
What is potassium used for?
Working enzymes, (photosynthesis and respiration need these)
Give 2 examples of natural fertilizer
Compost and manure
What is eutrophication?
Water pollution caused by artificial fertilizers
What are advantages of natural fertiliser?
-Improves soil structure
-Released slowly so eutrophication less likely
What are advantages of artificial fertilizer?
-Can replace all ions lost from the soil
-Rapid effect
What is a pesticide?
A mixture of chemicals used to kill pests
What is biological control?
Reducing the pest population by using a natural predator of the pest
What is the word equation for fermentation?
Glucose -> Ethanol+ carbon dioxide (energy)
Describe the process of making yoghurt
-Milk is heated to a high temperature (pasteurisation),
-This ensures bacteria are killed
-Then the liquid is cooled (40-46 C)
-Lactobacillus bacteria are added, these use lactose for anaerobic respiration
-The ph of the yoghurt decreases because this respiration produces lactic acid
How can a farmer maximise production of fish?
-Surround the fish farm in nets (Interspecific predation x)
-Feed them protein-rich pellets for growth
- Use fungicides to prevent disease
- Bubble oxygen through the water for respiration
