Photosynthesis Flashcards
What is the word equation for photosynthesis
Carbon dioxide + water –> glucose + oxygen
What is the chemical equation for photosynthesis
6CO2 + 6H20 –> C6H12O6 + 6O2
What does chlorophyll do
Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight energy for photosynthesis
Why is glucose needed in plants
Glucose is needed in plants for respiration to release energy. Also, it helps to make cellulose for cell walls and protein for growth
Why do leaves face the sun
Leaves face the sun to maximize sunlight energy absorbed in order to photosynthesize better
Why are leaves flat with a large surface area
Leaves are flat with a large surface area to maximize the amount of sunlight energy absorbed
Why are leaves thin
Leaves are thin so there is a shorter distance for light to travel to photosynthesize
Why are there pores (stomata) on the underside
Stomata are there to allow efficient gas exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen
What does the lower and upper epidermis do?
The lower and upper epidermis are transparent in order to allow light to pass to the chloroplasts in the palisade layer
What does the cuticle do
The cuticle acts as a barrier in order to prevent the entry of bacteria. It also reduces evaporation
What does the palisade layer do
The palisade layer consists of elongated cells that contain hundreds of chloroplasts, making it the main site of photosynthesis
What does the spongy layer do
The spongy layer consists of loosely packed cells with air between them to allow diffusion of gases. The main gas exchange occurs there
What do the stomata do
The stomata are located on the lower epidermis and allow carbon dioxide to diffuse into the leaf and oxygen to diffuse out
What do the guard cells do
The guard cells alter the shape to open or close the stoma
What does the xylem do
The xylem transports water and mineral ions from the roots to the leaves
