Photosynthesis Flashcards
What are the leaf adaptations?
Broad giving a large surface area
Thin giving short diffusion distances
Contain chlorophyll to absorb light
Have veins which bring water to the cells in the leaves from the xylem
They ahve air spaces which allow carbon dioxide to the cells
Have guard cells which regulate the amount gas exchange by open and closing the stomatas
Name the limting factors of photosynthesis?
Light intensity
Temperature
Carbon dioxide concentration
Chlorophyll levels in the leaf
How is the rate of photosynthesis affected by the temperature rising over 40 degrees C?
Most enzymes are denatured over 40-50 degrees C, so if the temperature gets too high the rate of photosynthesis will fall
What happens to carbon dioxide levels during day and night?
On a sunny day the carbon dioxide level is the most common limiting factor of photosynthesis but at night the carbon dioxide levels increase because plants respire but do not photosynthesise. As light and temp increase CO2 is used up.
What is the inverse square law?
Every time the distance is doubled, light intensity falls by a quarter
What is cellulose?
Plants build up glucose into complex carbohydrates which are used to strengthen cell walls
Why do plants convert gulucose into starch?
Glucose is soluble and could affect how water moves in and out of cells and lots of glucose stored could affact the water balance of the whole plant. Starch is insoluble and will not affact the water in the plant
How do plant convert glucose to amino acids?
By combining sugars with nitrate ions and other minerals in the soil. The amino acids are then built up into proteins to be used in many ways such as being used as enzymes.
Why do leaves go white in ornamental plants?
They have chlorophyll free areas where the plant has no access to light.
What happens when a pant does not have enough magnesium?
It cannot make chlorophyll reducing the rate of photosynthesis.
