Photosynthesis Flashcards
What four things are needed for photosynthesis?
LIGHT- Provides energy for the process
CHLOROPHYLL- Absorbs the energy in sunlight and uses it to combine CO2 and WATER to make glucose
CO2- Diffuses into the leaf from the air around
WATER- Comes up from the soil, up the roots and stem and into the leaf via the veins.
What six things is glucose used for?
RESPIRATION- This releases the energy that enables them to convert the rest of the glucose into other useful substances, which they use to build new cells and grow.
MAKING FRUITS- Glucose and fructose is turned into sucrose for storation in fruits. Fruit deliberately tastes nice so animals will eat them and spread seeds in their poo.
MAKING CELL WALLS - Glucose is turned into cellulose for making cell walls
MAKING PROTEINS - Glucose is combined with nitrates to make amino acids, which are then made into proteins.
STORAGE IN SEEDS- Glucose is turned into lipids(fats and oils) for storing in seeds.
STARCH- This stored starch can later be turned back into glucose and used in respiration
Equation for photosynthesis-
CO2+WATER (LIGHT ENERGY) ——-> GLUCOSE + OXYGEN
Where does photosynthesis happen?
In the leaves of green plants
What is light energy absorbed by?
Chlorophyll, a green substance found in chloroplasts and in some plant cells and algae
Where is starch stored?
Roots, stems and leaves
Why is starch better for storing than glucose?
Starch is insoluble, which makes it much better for storing because it does not bloat in the storage cells by osmosis like glucose would.
Why are greenhouses better for storage?
Because the conditions in a greenhouse are more easily controlled
What does artificial light in a greenhouse do?
The use of artificial light allows photosynthesis to continue beyond daylight hours. Bright lights also provide a higher than normal light intensity.
What does artificial heating in a greenhouse do?
This allows photosynthesis to continue at an increased rate
What does additional CO2 released into the greenhouse do?
Allows photosynthesis to continue at an increased rate
What do farmers need to be cautious about when involving greenhouses?
The additional costs should not be bigger than the additional income that the farmer makes.
