Photosynthesis and respiration in plants Flashcards
What is photosynthesis?
A chemical process in which green plants make their own food using energy from the sun in the form of glucose.
Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplasts, which contain chlorophyll that absorbs light.
Where does photosynthesis occur in plants?
In chloroplasts found within cells.
Chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, the green pigment that absorbs light.
What is the primary food produced during photosynthesis?
Glucose.
Glucose is used by plants to grow and make other substances like cellulose and starch.
What can glucose be broken down into by plants?
Energy through respiration.
Respiration is a process that occurs in plants to utilize glucose.
What four things are needed for photosynthesis?
- Sunlight
- Chlorophyll
- Carbon dioxide
- Water
These components are essential for the photosynthesis process.
How do you test for oxygen?
If oxygen is present, it will relight a glowing splint.
This is a common laboratory test for oxygen.
Why is photosynthesis important to living organisms?
It is the number one source of oxygen in the atmosphere.
Fewer plants would lead to less carbon dioxide recycling and oxygen production.
What adaptations help plants to photosynthesize?
Plants have stomata that allow gas exchange.
Stomata are tiny holes under the leaf that facilitate the diffusion of gases.
What is the equation for photosynthesis?
Carbon dioxide + water -> glucose + oxygen.
This equation summarizes the inputs and outputs of the photosynthesis process.
What is the equation for respiration in plants?
Oxygen + glucose -> water + carbon dioxide.
This equation represents the process of respiration, which is the reverse of photosynthesis.
What is a product of photosynthesis that is needed for respiration?
Oxygen.
Oxygen produced during photosynthesis is used in aerobic respiration.
When do plants respire?
All the time, whether it is dark or light.
Plants continuously respire but only photosynthesize in light.
What happens to carbon dioxide during the day in plants?
It diffuses into the leaf through stomata for photosynthesis.
This process is crucial for the photosynthesis that occurs during daylight.
What happens to stomata at night?
They close, preventing gases from diffusing out of the leaf.
This closure helps conserve water and maintain gas levels.
What factor affects the rate of photosynthesis?
Light intensity.
Decreased light intensity results in a decrease in the rate of photosynthesis.
