Photosynthesis Flashcards
What is the balanced equation for photosynthesis?
6CO2 + 6H2O –> C6H12O6 + 6O2
Name the main parts of chloroplast.
Inner membrane Outer membrane Thylakoid Granum Stroma
What is a thylakoid?
A small disc that contain chlorophyll and it is the site for the light dependent reaction in photosynthesis. The membrane provides a larger surface area for the attachment of chlorophyll, electron carriers and enzymes that carry out the LD reaction.
What is a granum?
A stack of up to 100 thylakoids. There are many in a chloroplast and they are connected by extended thylakoids called lamella.
What is the stroma?
A fluid filled matrix in the chloroplast where the light independent stage of photosynthesis takes place.
What is oxidation?
When a substance combines with oxygen. It is also when a substances lose electrons.
What is reduction?
When a substance detaches with an oxygen and gains electrons.
What is sunlight’s role in the light dependent reaction?
It raises the electrons energy levels and ‘excites’ them enough to detach them from the chlorophyll molecule. It is the start of the process.
What is the sequence of events in the production of ATP in the light dependant reaction?
- Sunlight excites electrons and raises the energy levels.
- Electrons taken up by electron carriers
- The electrons are passed from carrier to carrier and each carrier is at a slightly lower energy level –> this drop releases energy which is used to bind ADP and Pi to make ATP
What part does water play in the light dependent reaction?
The light wouldn’t be absorbed without water because it replaces the electrons that are excited and transferred to the electron carriers.
Draw the light dependent reaction.
Find a picture in the text book
What is the equation for the photolysis of water?
2H2O –> 4H+ + 4e- + O2
What happens to the hydrogen ions produced during photolysis?
They are taken up by an electron carrier called NADP. In this process NADP is reduced and this reduced NADP then enters the light-independent reaction.
What is the sequence of events in the Calvin Cycle?
1. Glycerate 3- phosphate x 2 From LD: ATP --> ADP + Pi From LD: Reduced NADP --> NADP 2. Triose phosphate (3-carbon) x 2 Useful organic substances like glucose are produced and move out of the cycle ATP --> ADP + Pi 3. Rubulose biphosphate (RuBP)(5-carbon) CO2 enters the system as it diffuses through the stomata and binds to RuBP 1. Glycerate 3- phosphate x 2
Where does the light-independent reaction take place?
In the stroma of the chloroplasts.
