Photosynthesis and Gas Exchange in Plants

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of using fertilisers in crop production?

To regulate crop rotation

To increase soil fertility (correct)

To construct polythene tunnels

To control pests and diseases

What is the process called when different crops are grown in a field in a specific sequence?

Soil fertilisation

Photosynthesis

Polythene tunneling

Crop rotation (correct)

What is the function of a polythene tunnel?

To provide mineral ions to the soil

To regulate crop growth

To act as a greenhouse (correct)

To control pests and diseases

What is the byproduct of photosynthesis tested for in the laboratory?

Starch Signup and view all the answers

What is a limiting factor in photosynthesis?

Carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What is the main site of photosynthesis in a plant leaf?

Palisade cell Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of guard cells?

To open or close stomata Signup and view all the answers

What is the reactant in photosynthesis that is essential for forming glucose?

Carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the stomata at night?

They close to conserve water Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of light intensity in photosynthesis?

It provides energy for the reaction to occur Signup and view all the answers

Why does the rate of photosynthesis slow down at high temperatures?

Enzymes denature Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of hydrogencarbonate indicator?

To show carbon dioxide concentration in a solution Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a plant cell when it is in a concentrated solution?

The cell loses water by osmosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Chlorophyll in a plant cell?

To absorb light energy for photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the component of plant cell walls?

Cellulose Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a plant cell when it becomes flaccid?

The vacuole loses volume and the cytoplasm no longer pushes against the cell wall Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using Dobell's iodine solution?

To detect starch in a plant cell Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Crop Production and Photosynthesis

Polythene tunnels are a type of greenhouse with walls made out of plastic.
Fertilisers are added to the soil to increase fertility, providing essential mineral ions such as Magnesium, Nitrates, Potassium, and Phosphates.
Crop rotation involves growing a different crop each season in a particular field to maintain soil fertility.

Photosynthesis

The word equation for photosynthesis is: Carbon dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen
Carbon dioxide, light, and temperature are limiting factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis occurs in the palisade cell and spongy mesophyll cell of the leaf.

Leaf Structure

Palisade cells are found just below the epidermis at the top of the leaf and contain hundreds of chloroplasts, making them the main site of photosynthesis.
Spongy mesophyll cells have air spaces between them, allowing for easy diffusion of gases.
Vascular bundles are found in the young stem, grouping together xylem and phloem.

Stomata and Guard Cells

Stomata are surrounded by guard cells, which become flaccid or turgid to open or close the stomata.
At night, the stomata close to prevent water loss since photosynthesis is not occurring.

Limiting Factors

Carbon dioxide is a reactant in photosynthesis, and a low concentration will slow down the rate of photosynthesis.
Temperature affects the rate of photosynthesis, with enzymes denaturing at high temperatures (40-50°C).
Light intensity provides energy for photosynthesis, with low light intensity limiting the rate of photosynthesis.

Testing for Starch

Iodine solution is used to test for starch, turning from orange-brown to blue-black in the presence of starch.
Elodea is an aquatic plant that can be used to demonstrate the rate of photosynthesis by counting the bubbles of oxygen produced.

Cell Components

Chlorophyll is a photosynthetic pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.
Cellulose is a component of plant cell walls.

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Description

Learn about the structure and function of palisade cells and spongy mesophyll cells in plant leaves, and how they facilitate photosynthesis. Discover the role of vascular bundles and how they contribute to gas exchange.