Photosynthesis - Photolysis and The Calvin Cycle

Question 1

Where in the chloroplast are the photosynthetic pigments contained?

Answer 1

The photosynthetic pigments are contained within the grana in the chloroplast

Question 2

What takes place in the grana?

Answer 2

Absorption of light energy and photosynthesis

Question 3

Step 1 of photolysis

Answer 3

When a pigment molecule absorbs light energy, an electron in the molecule gets excited and becomes a high energy electron

Question 4

Step 2 of photolysis

Answer 4

The high energy electrons can then be passed on to the electron transport chain helping to produce ATP using ATP synthase

Question 5

Step 3 of photolysis

Answer 5

The light energy is used for the lysis of water into hydrogen and oxygen

Oxygen is released as a byproduct

Hydrogen combines with NADP to make NADPH

Question 6

Step 4 of photolysis

Answer 6

The ATP and the NADPH produced are then carried to the Calvin cycle

Question 7

Where does carbon fixation/the Calvin cycle occur in the chloroplast?

Answer 7

Carbon fixation/the Calvin cycle occurs within the stroma of the chloroplast

Question 8

What does the Calvin cycle not require?

Answer 8

Calvin cycle does not require light

Question 9

Step 1 of the Calvin cycle

Answer 9

The enzyme RuBisCo fixes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by attaching it to Rubulose BisPhosphate (RuBP) to form 3-phosphoglycerate

Question 10

Step 2 of the Calvin cycle

Answer 10

3-phosphoglycerate is then phosphorylated by ATP and hydrogen from the NADPH to form glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G-3-P)

Question 11

Step 3 The Calvin cycle

Answer 11

G-3-P is used to regenerate RuBP

And is used for the synthesis of glucose

Question 12

What are the fates of glucose?

Answer 12

Respiration

Starch (storage carbohydrate)

Cellulose (Structural carbohydrate e.g. cell wall)

Biosynthesis Pathways (facts and oils, proteins, nucleic acids)