Plant Nutrition Flashcards
Define photosynthesis
How plants and other organisms (algae) are able to make glucose using sunlight. This process transports light energy into chemical energy in the bonds in the glucose
What would increasing the levels of light and carbon dioxide do to the rate of photosynthesis?
Increase the rate
What happens to the rate of photosynthesis when the temperature is low?
Rate of photosynthesis is limited
What happens to the rate of photosynthesis when the temperature is high?
The enzymes that control the rate of reactions start to become denatured and so the reactions go more slowly
How is the transparent epidermis adapted for photosynthesis?
Allows as much light as possible to reach the photosynthesising cells within the leaf
How are the palisade cells adapted for photosynthesis?
Tightly packed together in the upper half of the leaf to receive sunlight
How are cholroplasts adapted for photosynthesis?
Contain chlorophyll. Concentrated in upper half of leaf to receive as much sunlight as possible
How is the spongy mesophyll adapted for photosynthesis?
Has a layer which contains air spaces to allow movement of gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide) through the leaf to and from cells
How is large surface area to volume ratio an adaptation for photosynthesis?
Allows sufficient absorption of carbon dioxide and removal of oxygen by photosynthesising cells
How is the stomata adapted for photosynthesis?
Contains many pores which may allow the movement of gases into and out of the leaf
How is the phloem tissue adapted for photosynthesis?
Transports sucrose in photosynthesising cells, away from the leaf
How is the xylem tissue adapted for photosynthesis?
Transports water and ion minerals to the leaf from the roots?
Define exothermic
Energy released
Define endothermic
Energy required
How do reactants enter the plant?
Water absorbed by the roots, entered by osmosis, carried by xylem tube. Carbon dioxide, diffuses through stomata on underside of leaf
