C1.3 Photosynthesis Flashcards
What is photosynthesis?
A process in which plants convert light energy into chemical energy using carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen
What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis?
6CO2 (carbon dioxide) + 6H2O (water) —> C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6O2 (oxygen)
What is the principal energy source in most ecosystems?
The sun
Where does photosynthesis occur?
Chloroplast
What are the 2 steps in photosynthesis?
- Light dependent reaction
- Light independent reaction
What is visible light?
A range of electromagnetic waves that we can detect with our eyes
What is the shortest wavelength?
Violet
What is the longest wavelength?
Red
Why do leaves look green?
-they reflect green light + absorb other lights (chlorophyll)
Highest rates of photosynthesis occurs at…
Blue and red wavelengths
What does an action spectrum have on its axis?
- Overall rate of photosynthesis
- Wavelength of light
Chloroplast reflects…
Green light
Xanthophyll & carotenoids reflect…
Yellow & orange
What is the formula for Rf value?
Distance moved by compound / distance moved by solvent
Why is thin layer chromatography better than chromatography?
Gives better results —> more defined, well separated spots
What is a limiting factor?
A factor that restricts the rate of a reaction when present in a low amount of
List some limiting factors
- temperature
- light intensity
- carbon dioxide
- concentration
How to measure rate of photosynthesis
Submerged plant- bubble potometer
What are the 2 main method for carbon dioxide enrichment experiments?
- enclosed greenhouses
- FACE (free air carbon dioxide enrichment experiments)
Where does the light dependent stage take place in?
Thylakoids
What are the products made in the light dependent stage?
ATP & reduced NADP
Where does the light independent stage take place in?
Stroma
Light independent stage = ?
Calvin cycle
What is wavelength photosystem 2 most sensitive to?
680 nm
What is wavelength photosystem 1 most sensitive to?
700 nm
What is photoactivation?
The process by which chlorophyll absorbs light energy and becomes excited leading to a higher energy rate
The electrons from ferrodoxin and hydrogen ions from the storms convert NADP to…
Reduced NADP
In which photosystem does cyclic photophosphorylation occur?
1
in the light dependent stage the reaction is catalyzed by…
Rubisco
What are the 3 steps of the Calvin cycle?
- Carbon fixation
- Reduction of glycerate-3-phosphate
- Regeneration of RuBP
List some uses of products from the Calvin cycle
- glucose/ starch
- amino acids
- fatty acids
- DNA/ RNA
