CB6a Photosynthesis Flashcards
What is photosynthesis
A chemical reaction that takes place inside photosynthetic organisms (e.g plant algae) converting light energy into chemical energy
Write the word equation for photosynthesis
carbon dioxide + water —–> glucose + oxygen
Write the symbol equation for photosynthesis
6CO2+6H2O→C6H12O6+6O2
Why is photosynthesis important
It produces glucose which has a wide range of uses:
- Used in respiration to release energy
- Converted to starch and stored - broken down to glucose when the plant requires energy
- Used to make complex organic molecules which are used for growth
Where does photosynthesis take place
In Chloroplast
What type of reaction is photosynthesis
An endothermic reaction that takes in energy (in the form of light)
What is chlorophyll
A pigment found in chloroplasts that absorb light
Describe the two main stages of photosynthesis
1) Chlorophyll absorbs light energy which is used to split water into oxygen gas (waste product) and hydrogen ions
2) Carbon dioxide combines with hydrogen ions to form glucose
What is the palisade cell
It is a cell near the top of a leaf packed with chloroplasts These adaptations allow a leaf to absorb a great deal of light.
What is the function of the stomata
Stomata is on leaves and allow carbon dioxide to diffuse into the leaf and they are opened and closed by specialised guard cells
