Photosynthesis Flashcards
What is the equation for photosynthesis?
Carbon dioxide + Water ——————> Glucose + Oxygen
How is light energy used for photosynthesis?
Light energy is absorbed by a green substance called chlorophyll, which is found in chloroplasts in some plant cells and algae
What is the light energy from the sun used for?
This energy is used by converting carbon dioxide (from the air) and water (from the soil) into sugar (glucose).
Oxygen is released as a by-product.
What is meant by a limiting factor of photosynthesis?
It is just something which is stopping photosynthesis from happening faster.
What factors limit the rate of photosynthesis?
Light intensity
Temperature
Carbon dioxide concentration.
Relationship between the light intensity and the rate of photosynthesis.
When you increase the light intensity the rate of photosynthesis will increase, but only up to an certain point. Beyond that it wont make a difference as the carbon dioxide or the temperature will be a limiting factor.
Relationship between the carbon dioxide and the rate of photosynthesis.
When you increase the level of CO2 the rate of photosynthesis will increase, but only up to an certain point. Beyond that it wont make a difference as the light intensity or the temperature will be a limiting factor.
Relationship between the temperature and the rate of photosynthesis.
When you increase the temperature the rate of photosynthesis will increase gradually, as the enzymes work better at warmer temperatures. However if it gets too hot the enzymes which are needed for photosynthesis will denature.
How do plants use glucose for respiration?
Plants make glucose in their leaves. They use some of this glucose for respiration. This releases energy which enables them to convert the rest of the glucose into various other useful substances.
How do plants use glucose for making cell walls?
Glucose is converted into cellulose for making strong cell walls.
How do plants use glucose for making proteins?
Glucose is combined with nitrate ions (from the soil) to make amino acids which are then made into proteins.
How do plants use glucose stored in seeds?
Glucose is turned into lipids (fats and oils) for storing in seeds.
How do plants use glucose stored as starch?
Glucose is turned into starch and stored in roots, stems and leaves, ready for when photosynthesis isn’t happening. Starch is insoluble which makes it better for storing than glucose.
