C1.3 Photosynthesis SL Flashcards
Light Energy to Chemical Energy
The process where light energy is transformed into chemical energy during photosynthesis, crucial for life processes in ecosystems.
Photosynthesis
A process where carbon dioxide is converted into glucose using light energy, essential for plant growth and oxygen production.
Oxygen Production in Photosynthesis
Oxygen is released as a by-product during photosynthesis, occurring when water molecules are split
Photolysis in Photosynthesis
The stage in photosynthesis where water is split by light, generating hydrogen ions, electrons, and oxygen
Carbon Fixation
The process of converting inorganic carbon (CO2) into organic compounds like glucose in the Calvin cycle
ATP’s Role in Photosynthesis
ATP provides energy for light-dependent reactions in photosynthesis, crucial for the synthesis of glucose
Function of Photosystems
Photosystems in the thylakoid membranes absorb light and play a key role in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis
Chromatography in Photosynthesis
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.
Rf Value
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.
Absorption of Light in Photosynthesis
Photosynthetic pigments absorb specific wavelengths of light, which is crucial for photosynthesis. Chlorophyll absorbs mainly blue and red light, reflecting green.
Absorption Spectrum
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.
Action Spectrum
The action spectrum indicates the overall rate of photosynthesis at different wavelengths of light. It shows which wavelengths are most effective for photosynthesis.
Comparison of Absorption and Action Spectra
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.
Importance of Different Pigments
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.
Primary environmental factors limiting the rate of photosynthesis
Carbon dioxide concentration, light intensity, and temperature.
How does light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis?
Increasing light intensity boosts the rate of photosynthesis up to a certain point, beyond which it plateaus.
What role does temperature play in photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis rates increase with temperature until an optimum is reached; beyond this, the rate decreases.
How is carbon dioxide concentration linked to photosynthesis?
Higher CO2 concentrations generally increase the rate of photosynthesis until other factors become limiting.
What is the significance of carbon dioxide enrichment experiments?
They help predict future rates of photosynthesis and plant growth under elevated CO2 levels.
Describe a method to measure the rate of photosynthesis in aquatic plants.
Counting oxygen bubbles produced or measuring the oxygen volume collected from a water plant like Elodea.
What are ‘algal balls’ and their significance in photosynthesis experiments?
Algal balls are cultivated algae used to investigate photosynthesis, providing a controlled experimental setup.
