Photosynthesis Flashcards
What is photosynthesis?
A chemical reaction where plants make their own food
Where does photosynthesis occur in the plant cell?
Chloroplasts
What is the word equation for photosynthesis?
Water + carbon dioxide –> oxygen + glucose
What is the balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis?
6H2O + 6CO2 –> 6O2 + C6H12O6
What three things are needed for photosynthesis?
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
- Sunlight
Is photosynthesis endothermic or exothermic?
Endothermic
How is light energy absorbed in photosynthesis?
By the green pigment chlorophyll found in the chloroplasts (in the leaves)
What is the main photosynthetic organ in plants?
Leaves
How do carbon dioxide and water enter the leaves for photosynthesis?
- Carbon dioxide enters the leaves from the air and diffuses through the stomata
- Water enters the plant through the roots and moves to the leaves through the xylem
Describe five ways that the glucose produced in photosynthesis is used by the plant.
- For respiration
- To form starch (a storage molecule)
- To form lipids (used for storage in seeds)
- To form amino acids (used to make proteins)
- To form cellulose (used to build cell walls)
What are three things that can be measured to determine the rate of photosynthesis in a plant?
- the rate of oxygen output
- the rate of carbon dioxide uptake
- the rate of carbohydrate production
What are three factors that can limit the rate of photosynthesis?
- light intensity
- carbon dioxide concentration
- temperature
What is a limiting factor?
A factor which, if in short supply, limits or reduces the rate of photosynthesis
Explain why temperature affects the rate of photosynthesis.
- Photosynthesis is controlled by enzymes
- Low temperatures, fewer collisions between enzymes and substrates
- Higher temperatures, enzymes become denatured
Chlorophyll is green.
What colours of light does chlorophyll absorb and reflect?
Chlorophyll
- Absorbs red and blue light
- Reflects green light