Photosynthesis Flashcards
What is the purpose of photosynthesis?
To enable plants to obtain glucose for cellular respiration. I.e. Essentially gives them energy
Is photosynthesis a catabolic or anabolic reaction?
Anabolic
What occurs during photosynthesis?
Sunlight is converted into chemical energy
What are thylakoids?
The flattened individual sacks in chloroplasts
What are Grana?
Stacks of thylakoids
What is the stroma?
The fluid in chloroplasts
What similarities are there between mitochondria and bacteria?
Double membrane
Genetic material
Similarities in DNA and ribosome structure
What is the theorised cause of mitochondria resembling prokaryotic cells?
A large eukaryotic cell engulfed a small photosynthetic prokaryotic cell in a vesicle and instead of digesting it, it used it to produce energy
What is the full reaction of photosynthesis?
12 water + 6 carbon dioxide ->1 glucose + 6 oxygen + 6 water
Note- light is also an input
What occurs during the light dependent stage?
Light energy is absorbed so it can be used for the next stage
Where does the light dependent stage take place?
In the thylakoid membranes
What does the light energy do in the first stage of photosynthesis?
It splits the water molecules and produces the energy molecules ATP and NADPH which are then used in the next stage
What are the inputs of the light dependent stage of photosynthesis?
Water, NADP+, ADP, Pi, light
What are the outputs of the light dependant stage of photosynthesis?
Oxygen, NADPH, ATP
Where does the Calvin cycle occur?
In the stroma
What occurs during the light independent stage of photosynthesis?
Carbon dioxide is converted into glucose by using the energy produced in the light dependent stage
How is the Calvin cycle different from the light dependent stage?
It is not directly dependent on light
What are the inputs of the Calvin cycle?
NADPH, ATP, water and carbon dioxide
What are the outputs of the Calvin cycle?
Water, glucose, NADP+, ADP, Pi
What is the overall equation for photosynthesis?
6 carbon dioxide + 6 water -> 1 glucose + 6 oxygen
What is the formula for glucose?
C(6)H(12)O(6)
What factors cause a decrease in the rate of photosynthesis and when do these factors occur?
Low levels of carbon dioxide - from closed stomata
Minimal light - plant located in shady area or weather
Low temps - location of the plant
How does temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis?
Rate increase as temp increases, but as enzymes are involved in the process the rate will irreversibly start to drop off as temp reaches a point where it begins to denature the enzymes
How does carbon dioxide levels affect the rate of photosynthesis?
Rate will increase as CO(2) increases, but will reach a saturation point where adding more will have no effect on rate as the plant cannot undergo photosynthesis any faster
How does light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis?
Rate increase as light intensity increases, until a saturation point is reached where the plant can’t photosynthesise any faster
