Photosynthesis Flashcards
Autotroph definition
Organisms that use light or chemical energy and inorganic molecules to synthesise complex organic molecules
Photosynthesis definition
The process whereby light energy from the sun is transformed into chemical energy and used to synthesise large organic molecules from inorganic substances
Heterotroph definition
Organisms that ingest and digest complex organic molecules releasing the chemical potential energy stored in them
Balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis
6CO2 + 6H2O –> C6H12O6 + 6O2
What range of wavelengths of light do chlorophyll reflect?
530-570 (550)
What is a photosystem?
A funnel shape light harvesting cluster of pigments
PS1 absorbs light at…?
700nm
PS2 absorbs light at…?
680nm
Chlorophyll a absorbs light at…?
450nm (blue)
Chlorophyll b absorbs light at…?
500nm and 640nm (blue/green)
How is the grana adapted to its function?
Provides a large surface area
The space within the membrane stack allows movement of protons for chemiosmosis
What is the grana?
Stacks of up to 100 thylakoid membranes
How is the stroma adapted to its function?
Surrounds the grana, so products from the light independent reaction can be easily passed into the stroma where they are used in the light independent reaction.
Enzymes for Calvin cycle
DNA has the genetic code for proteins needed for photosynthesis. There are ribosomes to make these proteins.
What is an accessory pigment?
Absorbs light that is not well absorbed by the chlorophyll
Description of chloroplasts
Disc shaped
Double membrane;
Outer is permeable to ions
Inner is less permeable so has transport proteins
Inner membrane folded into thin plates (thylakoids)
Plates are stacked like coins (granum)
