C1.3 Photosynthesis SL

Question 1

Light Energy to Chemical Energy

Answer 1

The process where light energy is transformed into chemical energy during photosynthesis, crucial for life processes in ecosystems.

Question 2

Photosynthesis

Answer 2

A process where carbon dioxide is converted into glucose using light energy, essential for plant growth and oxygen production.

Question 3

Oxygen Production in Photosynthesis

Answer 3

Oxygen is released as a by-product during photosynthesis, occurring when water molecules are split

Question 4

Photolysis in Photosynthesis

Answer 4

The stage in photosynthesis where water is split by light, generating hydrogen ions, electrons, and oxygen

Question 5

Carbon Fixation

Answer 5

The process of converting inorganic carbon (CO2) into organic compounds like glucose in the Calvin cycle

Question 6

ATP’s Role in Photosynthesis

Answer 6

ATP provides energy for light-dependent reactions in photosynthesis, crucial for the synthesis of glucose

Question 7

Function of Photosystems

Answer 7

Photosystems in the thylakoid membranes absorb light and play a key role in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis

Question 8

Chromatography in Photosynthesis

Answer 8

It is a technique used to separate photosynthetic pigments in plants. It involves a stationary phase (paper) and a mobile phase (solvent), allowing pigments to be separated based on their movement and solubility.

Question 9

Rf Value

Answer 9

Rf value, or retention factor, is the ratio of the distance moved by a pigment to the distance moved by the solvent in chromatography. It’s used to identify specific pigments.

Question 10

Absorption of Light in Photosynthesis

Answer 10

Photosynthetic pigments absorb specific wavelengths of light, which is crucial for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll absorbs mainly blue and red light, reflecting green.

Question 11

Absorption Spectrum

Answer 11

An absorption spectrum shows the range of wavelengths absorbed by photosynthetic pigments. It’s unique for each pigment and important for understanding their role in photosynthesis.

Question 12

Action Spectrum

Answer 12

The action spectrum indicates the overall rate of photosynthesis at different wavelengths of light. It shows which wavelengths are most effective for photosynthesis.

Question 13

Comparison of Absorption and Action Spectra

Answer 13

Absorption spectra show the wavelengths absorbed by pigments, while action spectra indicate the efficiency of these wavelengths in driving photosynthesis. They are often closely aligned.

Question 14

Importance of Different Pigments

Answer 14

Different pigments absorb different wavelengths of light, contributing to the efficiency of photosynthesis. Chlorophylls and carotenoids play a key role in absorbing the necessary light.

Question 15

Primary environmental factors limiting the rate of photosynthesis

Answer 15

Carbon dioxide concentration, light intensity, and temperature.

Question 16

How does light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis?

Answer 16

Increasing light intensity boosts the rate of photosynthesis up to a certain point, beyond which it plateaus.

Question 17

What role does temperature play in photosynthesis?

Answer 17

Photosynthesis rates increase with temperature until an optimum is reached; beyond this, the rate decreases.

Question 18

How is carbon dioxide concentration linked to photosynthesis?

Answer 18

Higher CO2 concentrations generally increase the rate of photosynthesis until other factors become limiting.

Question 19

What is the significance of carbon dioxide enrichment experiments?

Answer 19

They help predict future rates of photosynthesis and plant growth under elevated CO2 levels.

Question 20

Describe a method to measure the rate of photosynthesis in aquatic plants.

Answer 20

Counting oxygen bubbles produced or measuring the oxygen volume collected from a water plant like Elodea.

Question 21

What are ‘algal balls’ and their significance in photosynthesis experiments?

Answer 21

Algal balls are cultivated algae used to investigate photosynthesis, providing a controlled experimental setup.