Quiz: Photosynthesis Flashcards
Give the function of chloroplast
They work to convert light energy of the Sun into sugars that can be used by cells. The entire process is called photosynthesis and it all depends on the little green chlorophyll molecules in each chloroplast.
Give the function of blade
The blade contains the cells necessary for the plant to carry out photosynthesis. The cells contain chloroplasts, which gives it its green color.
Give the function of petiole
The products of photosynthesis are moved from individual leaves to the rest of a plant, and necessary chemicals and nutrients from other parts of the plant are brought to individual leaves.
Give the function of xylem tissue
Transports water and soluble mineral nutrients from the roots throughout the plant. It is also used to replace water lost during transcription and photosynthesis.
Give the function of phloem tissue
Responsible for the transport of sugars from source tissues (ex. photosynthetic leaf cells) to sink tissues (ex. non-photosynthetic root cells). Other molecules such as proteins and mRNAs are also transported throughout the plant via phloem.
Give the function of cuticle
Responsible for preventing the loss of water. It also has properties that prevent contamination of plant tissues with external water, dirt, and microorganisms.
Give the function of mesophyll cells
Palisade mesophyll cells are tall and closely packed to absorb maximum light. They contain chloroplasts, which allow for photosynthesis to take place in these cells.
Spongy mesophyll cells also capture light and make food. They have air spaces between them to allow easy gas exchange.
Give the function of guard cells
They help to regulate the rate of transpiration by opening and closing the stomata.
Give the function of stomata
They allow gas exchange. Since a lot of water vapor can be lost through the stomata they only open for photosynthesis in daylight; at night, they close up to reduce loss of water vapor.
Give the function of chlorophyll A
It absorbs the wavelengths of violet-blue and orange-red light and functions as a primary electron donor during the electron transport chain in photosynthesis.
Give the function of accessory pigments
They play an important role in photosynthesis by increasing the range of wavelengths which the photosynthetic machinery of a plant can absorb.
Write out the chemical equation for photosynthesis.
6CO2 + 6H2O ➡️ C6H12O6 + 6O2
What is needed to start photosynthesis?
Light, carbon dioxide, and water
What are the end products of photosynthesis?
Water, oxygen, and glucose
What kinds of organisms are autotrophs?
Autotrophs use photosynthesis to make their own food. Examples of autotrophs are algae, phytoplankton, and some types of bacteria.
In an ecosystem, why are autotrophs known as producers?
They are known as the producers because they make their own food and also make food for the rest of the ecosystem.
What kinds of organisms are heterotrophs?
Heterotrophs are animals or organisms that feed on autotrophs to survive. Examples of heterotrophs are herbivores (plant eaters), carnivores (meat eaters), and omnivores (both plant and meat eaters).
In an ecosystem, why are heterotrophs known as consumers?
Heterotrophs are considered consumers in an ecosystems because they cannot make their own food. Instead, they depend on autotrophs by using, rearranging, and ultimately decomposing their complex organic materials.
Define transpiration
It is the process by which moisture is carried through plants from roots to small pores on the underside of leaves, where it changes to vapor and is released to the atmosphere. It is essentially the evaporation of water from plant leaves.
Through what part of leaf does transpiration mostly occur?
Transpiration occurs through the stomata of leaves.
Make a list of leaf adaptations that have evolved in drought tolerant plants.
- Fewer stomata, the pores in the epidermis or skin on the leaf, can reduce water loss.
- In hot, dry climates, many plants open their stomata only in the cool of the evening.
- Small plants have a reduced surface area to enable plants to conserve water.
Define visible light
It is defined as the wavelengths that are visible to most human eyes.
What does the prism effect do to visible light?
As visible light passes through a prism, it is refracted and then separated into its different component colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.
What are the separate colors that make up visible light?
Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.
What molecules do plants use to store excess glucose?
Starch
What is the function of starch?
The only function of starch in the human diet is to convert into glucose for energy.
What test would you perform to determine if a leaf has starch present?
Chromatography
How much starch did the light geranium leaf have? Explain why.
It had a lot of starch because the leaf was kept in light, thus creating photosynthesis.
How much starch did the dark geranium leaf have? Explain why.
It had less starch because the leaf was kept in the dark, thus preventing photosynthesis.
Which color or colors of light are best for photosynthesis?
Red and blue
Which color or colors of light are worst for photosynthesis?
Green
What is the function of chromatography?
Chromatography is used for the separation of a mixture of compounds into its individual components.
Spinach leaves contain which photosynthetic pigments?
Chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, beta-carotene, and xantophylls.
