Photosynthesis Flashcards
What does photosynthesis do?
Produces glucose using sunlight.
Where does photosynthesis happen?
Photosynthesis happens in the leaves of all green plants - this is largely what the leaves are for.
Where within the leaves of plants does photosynthesis occur.
In the chloroplasts.
What do chloroplasts do?
Chloroplasts contain the pigment chlorophyll which absorbs sunlight and then uses the sunlights energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. This also produces oxygen.
What is the word equation for photosynthesis?
LIGHT
Carbon dioxide + water ——-> glucose + oxygen
What is the symbol equation for photosynthesis?
LIGHT
6CO2 + 6H2O ——> C6H12O6 + 6O2
Why is photosynthesis important?
Because it converts light energy to chemical energy which is stored in glucose.
What happens to the chemical energy stored in glucose.
The chemical energy is released when glucose is broken down during respiration.
Where are chloroplasts found in a leaf?
In the palisade layer so that they are near top of the leaf where they can get the most light.
Why is the upper eperdermis transparent?
So that light can pass through it to the palisade layer.
What are vascular bundles in leafs?
The transport vessels, xylem and phloem.
Where is the waxy cuticle?
The very top of the leaf, the upper surface.
What does the waxy cuticle do?
Helps to reduce water loss by evaporation.
What is the upper eperdermis?
Thin and transparent to allow light to enter the palisade layer beneath it.
What is the structure and function of the palisade mesophyll?
Column shaped cells tightly packed with chloroplasts to absorb more light, maximising photo synthesis.
What does the spongy mesophyll contain?
Contains internal air spaces that increase the surface area to volume ratio for the diffusion of gases (mainly carbon dioxide).
What does the lower eperdermis contain?
Contains guard cells and stomata.
What is the function of a guard cell?
To absorb and lose water to open and close the stomata to allow carbon dioxide to diffuse in, oxygen to diffuse out.
What is the stomata for?
The stomata is where gas exchange takes place: opens during the day, closes during the night. Evaporation of water also takes place here.
Where are stomata found?
Found in much greater concentration on the underside of a leaf to reduce water loss.
What is the role of the xylem?
To transport water into the leaf for mesophyll cells to use in photosynthesis and for transpiration from stomata.
What is the role of phloem?
Transports sucrose and amino acids around the plant.
