Topic 5: Photosynthesis Flashcards
What is the ultimate source of energy?
The Sun
Give the equation for photosynthesis
Carbon dioxide + water –> glucose + oxygen
Where does photosynthesis take place?
The chloroplasts
What substances do you find in the stroma of the chloroplast?
Lipid globules Starch molecules Circular DNA Ribosomes Grana Thylakoid Lamellae
What is chlorophyll?
A mixture of photosynthetic light-capturing pigments
Name the types of chlorophyll
Chlorophyll a
Chlorophyll b
Carotenoids
What colour is chlorophyll a?
Blue-green
What colour is chlorophyll b?
Yellow-green
Name some carotenoids and their colours
Carotene - orange
Xanthophyll - yellow
Phaeophytin - grey
What is the advantage of a plant have lots of different types of chlorophyll?
The plant can absorb a wider range of wavelengths of light so more light can be used
What wavelengths of light does chlorophyll a absorb?
Red-orange
Blue-violet
Which is the most abundant pigment?
Chlorophyll a
What is the purpose of accessory pigments?
Broaden the range of light that a plant can use - don’t take part in the light dependent reaction
What is an absorption spectrum?
Shows the wavelengths of light that a particular pigment absorbs as a graph of wavelength (x) against relative absorption of light (y)
What is an action spectrum?
Shows the wavelengths of light which bring about photosynthesis in a particular plant
What method can be used to identify which pigments are in a leaf?
Chromatography
Explain how chromatography can be used to identify which pigments are in a leaf
Grind up leaf and mix with propanone
Use capillary tube to spot a drop of the mixture onto a piece of paper with a pencil line
Dip it into solvent
Spots should separate
Calculate Rf values and compare to data book values
What are photosystems?
Complex arrangements of chlorophyll a and accessory pigments which can capture light to energise electrons
Where is PS 1 found?
Lamellae