Lab 6 Photosynthesis Flashcards
What is the photosynthesis equation?
6 H2O + 6 CO2 —> C6H12O6 + 6 O2
What is the ecological role of photosynthetic organisms?
They take in light energy and produce food (a different kind of energy)
What are pigments?
Substances that absorb certain wavelengths and reflect other wavelengths
What is the primary photosynthetic pigment?
Chlorophyll A
What are the secondary pigments?
Chlorophyll B, Carotenoids, Xanthophylls
Function of Chlorophyll B
Reflects yellow-green light
Function of Carotenoids
Reflects orange and absorbs free radicals
Function of Xanthophylls
Reflects yellow
For most plants, what structure is the site for photosynthesis?
Leaves are the site for photosynthesis in a lot of plants.
Cuticle
waxy outer surface of the leaf
Mesophyll Cells
Cells where photosynthesis occurs; made up of both palisade and spongy.
Guard Cells
Cells that surround the stoma
Stroma
Area of the chloroplast where light independent reactions occur
Stomata
small pores on the surface of a leaf that allows for gas exchange
Thylakoids
Area of the chloroplast where light dependent reactions occur
What is a wavelength?
The movement of photons in a pattern; longer means less energy, shorter means more energy
Define Electromagnetic Spectrum
The total range of light energy
What organelles do you find in chloroplasts?
Grana (granum), thylakoids, stroma
Grana (Granum)
Stacks of thylakoids
What is the purpose of phenol red pH indicator?
It is used to show whether CO2 is being consumed or produced in a reaction.
