Photosynthesis Flashcards

1
Q

Excitation of energy by light

A

The process where light energy is absorbed by pigments, causing electrons to move from their ground state to an excited state.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Deactivation of excited state

A

The return of excited electrons to their ground state, releasing excess energy as heat or light (photoluminescence), which includes fluorescence and phosphorescence.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Linear Electron Flow vs Cyclic Electron Flow

A

Linear electron flow involves both PSII and PSI and produces ATP and NADPH. Cyclic electron flow involves only PSI and produces ATP but not NADPH.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is an “electron flow”?

A

A pathway for movement of electrons during photosynthesis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Light harvesting

A

The process where pigments in photosystems capture light energy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Photochemical reaction

A

A reaction in which absorbed light energy drives the water-splitting reaction in PSII, releasing oxygen, electrons, and protons.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Electron transport

A

The movement of electrons through a series of protein complexes, creating a flow of electrons and protons.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Meaning of ATP

A

Adenosine triphosphate

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Name the three electron carriers involved in Light Dependent Reactions.

A

Plastoquinone, Plastocyanin, Ferredoxin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

The complex between PS II and PS I

A

Cytochrome b6-f Complex

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What Other Living Organisms are Capable of Photosynthesis?

A

Cyanobacteria

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Location of Light-dependent reactions and the Calvin Cycle

A

In the Thylakoid membrane, In the Stroma of the chloroplast

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What Reactions Occur During Photosynthesis

A

Absorption of light energy by chlorophyll, the splitting of water molecules, the production of ATP and NADPH, and the fixation of CO2 to form glucose

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Chemical equation of Photosysnthesis

A

6CO2 + 6H20 –(Chlorophyll & Sunlight)—–> C6H12O6 + 6O2

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Alternative name for the Calvin Cycle

A

Photosynthetic Carbon Reactions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the role of Carotene?

A

Carotene absorbs green light which chlorophyll cannot. It also has strong antioxidant properties and can dissipate excess energy as heat.

15
Q

Why are C3 plants most popular?

A

C3 plants are common due to their adaptability to diverse habitats and the trade-off between efficiency and energy investment.

16
Q

What is the CO2 acceptor?

A

RuBP (1-Ribulose, 5-biphosphate)

16
Q

How many CO2, ATP and NADPH are needed to make one glucose molecule?

A

6 CO2 molecules, 18 ATP molecules, and 12 NADPH molecules are needed

16
Q

What is the enzyme that catalyzes the reaction?

A

RuBisCO

16
Q

What are the 3 phases of the C3 pathway?

A

Carbon fixation, reduction of PGA to G3P, and regeneration of RuBP

16
Q

What is the first stable product of the C3 pathway?

A

3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA)

17
Q

What is the product of the C3 pathway?

A

glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P)

18
Q

What is the role of Rubisco?

A

It is an enzyme responsible for both carbon and oxygen fixation.

19
Q

What is the function of Photorespiration?

A

It is considered wasteful as it consumes energy and reduces the efficiency of photosynthesis. It possibly prevents damage from reactive oxygen species and preserves redox balance.

20
Q

Advantages of C4 Pathway

A

Reduces photorespiration and increased efficiency of carbon fixation. C4 plants thrive in specific hot and arid environments.

21
Q

Advantages of CAM plants

A

They are adapted to arid environments where water is scarce, they open stomata at night to take in CO2 and release it in the day -great at conserving water.

22
Q

Meaning of CAM

A

Crassulacean acid metabolism

23
Q

Light Saturation Point

A

The light saturation point is the maximum light intensity at which photosynthesis reaches its peak rate.

24
Q

Carbon Dioxide compensation point

A

The CO2 concentration at which photosynthesis equals respiration, resulting in no net change in CO2 levels.

25
Q

Water

A

Hydrolysis

26
Q

Temperature

A

Photosynthesis increases with temperature up to a point (around 30-35°C), then declines due to enzyme denaturation.

27
Q

Nutrients

A

Nitrogen, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron