Photosynthesis Flashcards
Purpose of photosynthesis
to convert solar energy into glucose (chemical energy)
What does photosynthesis occur in?
plants, algae & other protists, cyanobacteria and some prokaryotes
Photosynthesis chemical equation
6CO2+6H2O+Light energy–> C6H12O6+6O2
List the level of organiztion in plants:
Leaf-Mesophyll-Chloroplast-Thylakoid-Chlorophyll
Define the cuticle
waxy covering that protects the leaf from excess water loss
Define the upper epidermis
outer layer of cells for protection
Define the palisade mesophyll
light collection by closely packed rows of palisade mesophyl (2 rows may be in present in plants adapted to low light)
Define the spongy mesophyll
adapted gas exchange–> loosely packed fewer chloroplasts than palisade cels, and have intercellular air spaces where gases collect & mix - they do less photosynthesis
define the function of guard cells
controls the amount of water and air entering and exiting the leaf , when guard cell fills with water stoma closes
Define stoma
small openings in the underside of the leaf that allow entry of gases–> when guard cells fill with water= stoma closes
Define stomata
complex of guard cell and stoma
What of the chloroplast is analogous to the inner membrane?
thylakoid
what of the chloroplast is analogous to the matrix?
stroma
what of the chloroplast is analogous to the mitochondrial intermembrane space?
thylakoid lumen
What type of light drive photosynthesis? (absorbed, transmitted or reflected)
absorbed
What type of light is the most useful for photosynthesis?
visible light
What types of light do leaves absorb and which one does it reflect?
absorb: violet, blue, and red
reflect: green
most important wavelength is blue and red regions
Do shorter wavelengths have lower or higher energy?
Higher
Do longer wavelengths have lower or higher energy?
lower energy
what are the 3 types of pigment in the thylakoid?
chlorophyll a
chlorophyll b
carotenoids
What is the structure chlorophyll a?
-complex ring structure- porphyrin ring
has 8 smaller rings
- long hydrocarbon side chain (non polar and anchors chlorophyll in the thylakoi)
What atoms do the ring structure of chlorophyll are composed of and what is the central atom?
carbons and nitrogens
central- magnesium
What reactions do chlorophyll a initiate? What lights does it reflect or absorb?
reactions- light-dependent reactions
reflect- green
absorb- blue and red
Describe structure of chlorophyll b
same as chlorophyl but has a carbonyl group instead of carboxyl
What is another difference between chlorophyll and b
b absorbs different wavelengths- appears yellow-green
What lights does carotenoids reflect and absorb?
absorbs: violet and blue-green light
reflects- yellow and orange
What is the function of carotenoids?
accessory pigment
can transfer energy to chlorophyll a
serve as antioxidants
Absorption spectra of chlorophyll a
400-500
650-700