Plants (9Ba, 9Bb, 9Bc) Flashcards
What does photosynthesis require?
Light, water, carbon dioxide, and chlorophyll.
What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?
It absorbs light energy needed to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
What are some limiting factors in photosynthesis?
Light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature.
How can bubbles of oxygen indicate photosynthesis?
Bubbles are released during photosynthesis as a byproduct of oxygen production.
What is the role of glucose in plants?
It is used for energy, growth, and storage.
What is aerobic respiration?
The release of energy from glucose in the presence of oxygen.
Write the balanced chemical equation for photosynthesis
6CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2
Where is the energy from aerobic respiration transferred?
To ATP molecules for cellular activities.
What happens to a plant if its roots are flooded with water?
The roots cannot absorb oxygen, leading to the plant’s death.
How are roots adapted for water absorption?
By having branching structures and root hair cells with a large surface area.
What do roots transport to the plant?
Water and dissolved mineral salts.
What happens if a plant does not receive enough magnesium?
It cannot produce enough chlorophyll, leading to yellowing leaves.
Why is potassium important for plants?
It helps regulate water absorption and transport.
How are leaves adapted for light absorption?
They are broad and thin, with chloroplasts concentrated near the upper surface.
What is the function of the waxy cuticle on leaves?
To reduce water loss.
What is the role of palisade cells in photosynthesis?
They contain many chloroplasts to absorb light efficiently.
Why are stomata typically found on the underside of leaves?
To reduce water loss.
How does the arrangement of leaves on a plant prevent shading?
Leaves are arranged to minimize overlap and maximize light capture.
What controls the opening and closing of stomata?
Guard cells.
Why do stomata close at night?
To conserve water when photosynthesis is not occurring.
How does temperature affect gas exchange in plants?
Higher temperatures increase the rate of diffusion.
What is starch, and how is it used in plants?
Starch is a polymer of glucose used to store energy.
How can you test for starch in leaves?
By using iodine, which turns blue-black in the presence of starch.
Why is starch broken down at night?
To provide energy for respiration when photosynthesis is not happening.
What are lipids, and why are they important in plants?
Lipids are fats and oils used for energy storage, waterproofing, and making cell membranes.
Give an example of a plant product rich in lipids.
Rapeseed oil or sunflower oil.
What do plants need to make proteins?
Amino acids, which are made using nitrates absorbed from the soil.
Name two functions of proteins in plants.
Enzymes for photosynthesis, respiration and growth.
What resources are stored in seeds?
Starch, proteins, and oils.
What triggers the germination process?
Water absorption, which activates enzymes.
What is the role of amylase during germination?
It breaks down starch into glucose for energy.
Why is oxygen needed during germination?
For aerobic respiration, which provides energy.
_____ is needed to make photosynothesis happen
Light
Where is chlorophyll found in plant cells?
Choroplasts
What is the balanced chemical equation for aerobic respiration?
C6H1206 + 6O2 -> 6CO2 + 6H2O (+ energy)
a) __________ only happens when there is light but b) ________ happens all of the time
a) photosynthesis
b) respiration
What do xylem vessels do vs phloem vessels?
Xylem vessels transport water and dissolved mineral ions from the roots to the rest of the plant and also provide structural support.
Phloem vessels transport dissolved substances, such as sucrose and amino acids, from the leaves to the rest of the plant.
What minerals do plants need to stay healthy?
Nitrogen (to make proteins)
Magnesium (to make chlorophyll)
Potassium (to absorb water properly)
What happens if a plant does not get enough water?
It wilts
Why are leaves thin?
SO that the carbon dioxide does not have to diffuse very far into the leaf before getting to cells
What factors can affect the rate of diffusion?
Higher temperatures
Greater difference between the concentration of gas inside and outside of a leaf
What polymers can glucose be converted into?
Starch (to store energy)
Cellulose (used to make plant cells)
