Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of these is NOT a characteristic of autotrophs?
Which of these is NOT a characteristic of autotrophs?
The light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur in the stroma.
The light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur in the stroma.
False (B)
What is the name of the pigment that absorbs light energy during photosynthesis?
What is the name of the pigment that absorbs light energy during photosynthesis?
Chlorophyll
The process of photosynthesis converts ____ and ____ into sugars and oxygen.
The process of photosynthesis converts ____ and ____ into sugars and oxygen.
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Match the following terms with their corresponding descriptions:
Match the following terms with their corresponding descriptions:
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Which of the following colors of light is most effective in driving photosynthesis?
Which of the following colors of light is most effective in driving photosynthesis?
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The light-independent reactions of photosynthesis require light energy to proceed.
The light-independent reactions of photosynthesis require light energy to proceed.
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What is the primary product of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?
What is the primary product of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?
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Longer wavelengths of light have more energy than shorter wavelengths.
Longer wavelengths of light have more energy than shorter wavelengths.
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Which of these is NOT a pigment found in plants?
Which of these is NOT a pigment found in plants?
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The process by which light energy breaks down a water molecule is called ______.
The process by which light energy breaks down a water molecule is called ______.
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What is the primary function of accessory pigments in photosynthesis?
What is the primary function of accessory pigments in photosynthesis?
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Match the following pigments with their corresponding colors:
Match the following pigments with their corresponding colors:
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Which of the following statements is TRUE about the cyclic pathway of photosynthesis?
Which of the following statements is TRUE about the cyclic pathway of photosynthesis?
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The Calvin-Benson cycle, also known as the ______ reactions, uses ATP and NADPH to build sugars from CO2.
The Calvin-Benson cycle, also known as the ______ reactions, uses ATP and NADPH to build sugars from CO2.
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What is the role of Rubisco in the Calvin-Benson cycle?
What is the role of Rubisco in the Calvin-Benson cycle?
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Photorespiration is an efficient process that allows plants to produce sugar even in low CO2 conditions.
Photorespiration is an efficient process that allows plants to produce sugar even in low CO2 conditions.
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What is the main sugar produced by plants and transported throughout the plant?
What is the main sugar produced by plants and transported throughout the plant?
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Tiny, closable gaps on the surfaces of leaves and stems that allow for gas exchange are called ______.
Tiny, closable gaps on the surfaces of leaves and stems that allow for gas exchange are called ______.
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Briefly describe the difference between C3 plants and C4 plants.
Briefly describe the difference between C3 plants and C4 plants.
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What is the primary reason plants lose their green color in the fall?
What is the primary reason plants lose their green color in the fall?
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The noncyclic pathway of photosynthesis produces ATP, NADPH, and glucose.
The noncyclic pathway of photosynthesis produces ATP, NADPH, and glucose.
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The electron transfer phosphorylation process uses the energy from electron flow to power ______ production.
The electron transfer phosphorylation process uses the energy from electron flow to power ______ production.
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Why is cyclic photophosphorylation important for photosynthesis? (Mention at least two reasons)
Why is cyclic photophosphorylation important for photosynthesis? (Mention at least two reasons)
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Study Notes
Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
- Autotrophs produce their own food using energy from the environment (photosynthesis).
- They obtain carbon from inorganic molecules like carbon dioxide.
- Photosynthesis converts carbon dioxide and water into glucose using sunlight.
- Heterotrophs are consumers, obtaining carbon from other organisms.
Photosynthesis Equation
- CO2 + H2O → sugars + O2
Two Stages of Photosynthesis
- Light-dependent reactions convert light energy into chemical energy (ATP).
- Light-independent reactions (Calvin-Benson cycle) use ATP and NADPH to synthesize sugars.
Location of Photosynthesis
- Thylakoid membrane: site of light-dependent reactions in chloroplasts.
- Stroma: site of light-independent reactions in chloroplasts.
Visible Light and Photosynthesis
- Theodor Engelmann's experiments showed that the color of light affects photosynthesis rate.
- Red and blue light were most effective.
- Light is electromagnetic radiation; energy is related to wavelength.
- Shorter wavelengths carry more energy.
- Pigments absorb specific wavelengths of light.
Photosynthetic Pigments
- Chlorophyll a: primary pigment, absorbs red and blue, reflects green.
- Accessory pigments (chlorophyll b, carotenoids, xanthophylls, anthocyanins): broaden the range of absorbed wavelengths.
- These pigments also give plants their colors and function as antioxidants.
- Beta-carotene is an example of an accessory pigment in carrots.
- Pigments are broken down in the winter and recycled.
Light-Dependent Reactions (Noncyclic Pathway)
- Photosystem II (PSII) absorbs light, releases electrons which enter electron transport chain.
- Water is split to replace lost electrons, producing oxygen.
- Electron transfer chain releases energy, creating a proton (H+) gradient across the thylakoid membrane.
- Electrons are passed to Photosystem I (PSI).
- PSI absorbs light, releases electrons which are used to reduce NADP+ to NADPH.
- The H+ gradient drives ATP production through ATP synthase.
Light-Dependent Reactions (Cyclic Pathway)
- Uses only PSI.
- Electrons return to PSI to create additional ATP, but not NADPH..
- Important for generating extra ATP when NADPH production is limited or when light intensity is high.
The Calvin-Benson Cycle
- The Calvin-Benson cycle is the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis.
- Rubisco (ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase) fixes carbon by attaching CO2 to RuBP.
- This forms a six-carbon molecule, which splits into 2 PGA molecules (phosphoglycerate).
- ATP and NADPH are used to convert PGA to PGAL (phosphoglyceraldehyde).
- 5 PGAL are used to regenerate RuBP.
- Remaining PGAL are exported to the cytoplasm for carbohydrate production (e.g., sucrose, starch)
Photorespiration
- Stomata close to conserve water, resulting in increased O2 levels and reduced CO2 levels.
- Rubisco can add oxygen to RuBP instead of CO2, leading to photorespiration.
- Photorespiration is less efficient than using CO2 in the Calvin cycle & produces CO2.
- C3 plants with photorespiration are less efficient in hot conditions.
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Description
Test your knowledge on autotrophs and heterotrophs, their roles in ecosystems, and the process of photosynthesis. This quiz covers the stages of photosynthesis, the equations involved, and the impact of light on the rate of photosynthesis. Enhance your understanding of these fundamental biological concepts!