Photosynthesis Flashcards
What is the purpose of photosynthesis?
For plants to convert sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into glucose
What is the equation for photosynthesis?
water + carbon dioxide + (sunlight)–> glucose + oxygen
Where does photosynthesis occur in the cell?
In the chloroplast
Describe two features of the grana/thylakoid discs that increase the rate of photosynthesis
The thylakoid discs are flattened which increases the surface area to absorb more sunlight to increase photosynthesis rate
The grana/thylakoid discs contain chlorophyll which absorbs energy from the sun for photosynthesis
Describe a feature of the stroma that increases the rate of photosynthesis
The stroma is a liquid interior in which the conditions are optimum for enzymes (pH, temperature) to increase photosynthesis rate
Describe a feature of the shape of the chloroplast that increases the rate of photosynthesis
The chloroplast is bean shaped to increase the surface area so water can be absorbed faster by omosis and carbon dioxide absorbed faster by diffusion.
Describe what happens, location and products of the light dependent reaction in photosynthesis
Occurs in the thylakoid discs/grana
Light energy is used to split up water (hydrolysis)
Oxygen is produced which moves out of the chloroplast by diffusion.
Hydrogen also produced which moves on to the light independent reaction
ATP is produced which is used in the light independent reaction
Describe what happens, location and products of the light independent reaction in photosynthesis
Occurs in the stroma
Carbon dioxide and hydrogen are combined to form glucose using ATP
Where in a cell would you find chloroplasts?
Near the outer edges of the cells just inside the cell membrane
Explain two reasons why chloroplasts are found near the outre edges of cells
They receive a higher light intensity there which will increase the rate of photosynthesis
Faster to transport the substrates for photosynthesis (carbon dioxide by diffusion, water by osmosis) from outside the cell to the inside edges rather than the middle which increases the rate of photosynthesis
Why do palisade cells have large vacuoles in the middle of the cell?
Vacuoles are used purely for storage. The cell is less efficient at transporting the reactants for photosynthesis to the centre of the cell.
What is the waxy transparent layer on top of a leaf called?
Cuticle
Why do leaves have cuticles linked to photosynthesis?
So they conserve water which is a substrate needed for photosynthesis
Why is the upper epidermis of a leaf transparent?
To let a higher light intensity reach the palisade cells which is is the main site of photosynthesis, hence a faster rate
What cells in the leaf contain the most chloroplasts?
Palisade cells