Photosynthesis Flashcards
Why are plants a very important part of our eco system?
There are thousands of different types of plants in the universe and each has an important job. Humans rely on plants for many different reasons such as food, medicine and sources of vitamins
Why are leaves thin and wide?
-Leaves are thin to allow them to get carbon dioxide from the bottom of the leaf to the top for photosynthesis
-Leaves are wide and have a large surface area in order to absorb as much light energy as possible
What is the function of the Upper Epidermis?
The upper epidermis protects the inner layers, it is also transparent to let light energy through
What is the function of the Lower Epidermis?
The lower epidermis also protects inner layers and is transparent but also contains stomata to allows gas exchange and guard cells
What is the function of the Palisade Mesophyll Cells?
The palisade mesophyll cells are the main site of photosynthesis and are full of chloroplasts
What is the function of the Spongy Mesophyll Cells?
The spongy mesophyll cells are loosely arranged with air spaces to let CO2 and oxygen in and out of cells
What is the function of the Stomata?
The stomata are pores which allow gas exchange and water loss
What is the function of the Guard Cells?
Guards cells change shape to open and close stomata to control gas exchange
What is the function of Moist Air Spaces?
Moist air spaces allow gas a change with the spongy mesophyll
Where are cells in a leaf found?
They are found just below the upper epidermis
Do palisade mesophyll cells contain chloroplasts?
Yes lots of them!
What is photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis is the prices by which plants are able to produce their own food. The sun provides light energy and the leaves of the plant convert this light energy into chemical energy
What are the raw materials of photosynthesis?
Water and Carbon Dioxide
What are the products of photosynthesis?
Oxygen and glucose
How does the plant access water to carry out photosynthesis?
The plant takes water up through its roots, it then moves upwards through the stem to the leaves
Where is the oxygen released after photosynthesis?
Into the atmosphere
What is chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll is the green pigment used to trap light energy during photosynthesis
Where is chlorophyll found?
Chlorophyll is found in the chloroplasts in the green plant cells
How do plants store glucose?
Plants store glucose as starch
What do the plants use glucose for?
Plants use glucose to make cellulose for plant cell walls
What is the word equation for photosynthesis?
Light energy
Water + Carbon Dioxide ➡️ Glucose + Oxygen
Chlorophyll
What do carnivores eat?
Only meat
What do herbivores eat?
Only planys
What is meant by a food chain?
The transfer of energy from one organism to another is set out as a food chain. In a food chain, one organism feeds the previous one and in turn provides energy for the next
What do the arrows on a food chain indicate?
The arrows show the direction of energy flow
What are green plants know as in a food chain?
Producers as they make their own food through photosynthesis
What do consumers on a food chain eat
Plants and other animals
What is a food web?
A food web is an inter-connected series of food chains
What do predators eat?
Other animals called prey
What do all food chains and webs begin with?
A producer
In a food chain what is the producers source of energy?
The sun
What are producers eaten by?
Primary consumers (herbivores)
What are primary consumers eaten by?
Secondary consumers
What are secondary consumers eaten by?
Tertiary consumers
What is a pyramid of numbers?
A pyramid of numbers is a diagram showing the number of organisms at each stage of the food chain
What is a pyramid of energy?
A pyramid of energy shows the energy content of all the organisms at each stage of the food chain
Give three reasons why energy is last in a food chain?
Energy would be lost to the atmosphere, movement and undigested food also loose energy
