Biology: Photosynthesis and Plant Minerals

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Questions and Answers

What was one significant outcome of the asteroid collision 67 million years ago?

Formation of new ice caps

Mass extinction of species (correct)

Increase in plant diversity

Warming of the Earth’s climate

What are meteoroids called when they enter Earth's atmosphere?

Asteroids

Meteors (correct)

Meteorites

Comets

Which event is associated with 'Snowball Earth'?

The appearance of the first dinosaurs

Earth being covered in ice and snow (correct)

A significant increase in atmospheric temperatures

Formation of large deserts

When assessing the risk of asteroids to Earth, what factor is NOT considered?

Type of terrain on Earth Signup and view all the answers

What term describes the parts of meteoroids that collide with Earth?

Meteorites Signup and view all the answers

What was a direct effect of the asteroid collision that occurred 470 million years ago?

A significant temperature drop due to dust Signup and view all the answers

What happened to plants as a result of the mass extinction event caused by the asteroid impact?

They couldn’t photosynthesize Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes what happens to small meteoroids when they enter the atmosphere?

They typically burn up due to heat from friction Signup and view all the answers

What happens to plants without enough nitrogen?

They remain small and their leaves die. Signup and view all the answers

In what form can living organisms use carbon?

Only within compounds. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of carbon for plants during photosynthesis?

Carbon dioxide from the air. Signup and view all the answers

Why might decomposers not break down organisms quickly in certain environments?

There is a lack of oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

How do fossil fuels like coal form?

From the remains of plants buried under high pressure over time. Signup and view all the answers

During respiration, what do both plants and animals release?

Carbon dioxide and water. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of carbon dioxide being taken up by plants?

It helps form carbohydrates that sustain life. Signup and view all the answers

What process leads to the formation of fossil fuels over millions of years?

Prolonged burial and sediment accumulation. Signup and view all the answers

What role do chloroplasts play in plant cells?

They capture energy from sunlight for photosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

What do plants primarily store carbohydrates as?

Starch Signup and view all the answers

How do plants receive carbon dioxide for photosynthesis?

By diffusion through stomata. Signup and view all the answers

What mineral is essential for the formation of chlorophyll in plants?

Magnesium Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the addition of fertilizers have on crop yield?

It can increase the yield. Signup and view all the answers

Why might a plant with insufficient nitrate not grow well?

It cannot convert carbohydrates to proteins. Signup and view all the answers

What is a stoma?

A microscopic hole for gas exchange. Signup and view all the answers

Where does photosynthesis primarily occur in plants?

In the chloroplasts of leaf cells. Signup and view all the answers

What effect do long droughts have on ecosystems?

They can lead to higher risks of wildfires. Signup and view all the answers

How does rising sea temperature affect sea level?

It leads to the expansion of water, increasing sea level. Signup and view all the answers

What is one role of water as a metabolite in organisms?

To participate in chemical reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cities is mentioned as being vulnerable to sea level rise?

Shanghai Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of water's high specific heat capacity?

It helps organisms maintain a stable body temperature. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to glaciers as global temperatures rise?

They start to retreat and shrink. Signup and view all the answers

Why is water essential for photosynthesis in plants?

It splits into oxygen and hydrogen. Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated rate of sea level rise?

3 mm per year. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of root hairs in plants?

To absorb water and mineral ions from the soil Signup and view all the answers

Why do plants need to absorb water continuously?

To maintain turgor pressure Signup and view all the answers

Which process allows water to move into root hair cells?

Diffusion Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of xylem vessels allows them to transport water efficiently?

They are long, empty tubes formed from dead cells. Signup and view all the answers

How do mineral ions enter root hair cells?

Diffusion along with water from the soil Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the structure of xylem vessels?

They are long tubes formed from dead cells without cellular contents. Signup and view all the answers

What do root hairs grow out from?

The surface of plant roots Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the end walls of xylem vessels?

They disappear completely to form a continuous tube. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis occurs within chloroplasts, found inside plant cells.
Chloroplasts need sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
Plants store excess carbohydrates created during photosynthesis as starch within chloroplasts.
Leaves are thin and have stomata, tiny holes allowing gas exchange for photosynthesis.
Water travels through the plant's veins to reach the leaves for photosynthesis.

Plant Minerals

Fertilizers contain minerals that plants need to grow.
Plants absorb these minerals through their roots.
Magnesium is vital for chlorophyll production, giving leaves their green color.
Lack of magnesium results in yellowing leaves and reduced photosynthesis.
Nitrate provides nitrogen, essential for converting carbohydrates into proteins.
Insufficient nitrogen leads to stunted growth, leaf death, and reduced chlorophyll production.

Carbon Cycle

Living organisms require carbon, but not in its elemental form.
Plants obtain carbon from carbon dioxide in the air during photosynthesis to make carbohydrates.
These carbohydrates are then used to create proteins and fats, which contain carbon.
Animals obtain their carbon by consuming plants or other animals.
Decomposers obtain carbon by breaking down plant and animal waste.

Carbon Dioxide Back to the Air

Plants and animals release carbon dioxide through respiration.
Decomposers also release carbon dioxide into the air during the breakdown of plant and animal waste.
When organisms die in oxygen-deprived environments, they form fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas over millions of years.
Coal, formed from ancient plant matter, is used to generate electricity, releasing more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Ice Ages and Climate Change

The Earth has experienced numerous periods of cold (ice ages) and warm periods in its history.
Asteroids colliding with Earth can trigger ice ages by blocking sunlight and causing global cooling.
The collision that wiped out the dinosaurs 67 million years ago caused mass extinction due to changes in the climate and food chains.

Meteoroids and their Impacts

Meteoroids are space objects smaller than asteroids that become meteors when entering Earth's atmosphere.
Most meteors burn up due to friction with the atmosphere but can cause shockwaves if large enough.
Meteorite fragments that reach Earth can cause local damage, especially if large.

Climate Change Impacts

Increasing Earth's temperature affects sea levels, weather patterns, and ecosystems.
Rising sea levels threaten coastal cities and displace populations.
Frequent droughts increase the risk of wildfires and impact agriculture.
Changing weather patterns affect plant and animal life, disrupting food chains.

Water's Importance in Life

Water acts as a solvent, dissolving essential compounds for survival.
Water has a high specific heat capacity, regulating internal temperatures and preventing enzyme damage.
Water is a metabolite involved in vital chemical reactions within organisms, like photosynthesis.
Water provides a living environment for aquatic organisms, allowing them to breathe dissolved oxygen.

Root Hairs and Water Absorption

Root hairs are specialized cells on plant roots that increase the surface area for water absorption.
Root hairs absorb water and dissolved minerals from the soil.
Water and mineral ions move from the soil into the root hair cells through the cell wall and membrane.

Xylem Vessels

Xylem vessels are specialized, dead cells that form long tubes transporting water from roots to the rest of the plant.
Water moves from the root hair cells into the xylem vessels in the root's center.
The empty tubes of stacked xylem vessels allow uninterrupted water flow throughout the plant.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential processes of photosynthesis and the role of minerals in plant growth. Learn how chloroplasts function, the importance of nutrients like magnesium and nitrate, and their effects on plant health. Test your knowledge about the carbon cycle and plant mineral absorption.