Photosynthesis: Light-Dependent & Independent Reactions

Questions and Answers

What are thylakoids?

Sac-like photosynthetic membranes, on the diagram they are each individual member of a stack.

What is a granum?

Stack of thylakoids.

What is the stroma?

Region outside the thylakoid membranes in chloroplasts.

What are light-dependent reactions?

Reactions of photosynthesis that use energy from light and water to produce ATP and oxygen that is released into the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Calvin Cycle (Light Independent reactions)?

Plants use ATP and CO2 to produce high-energy sugars such as glucose. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of ATP?

Provides small amounts of energy for cellular reactions to take place. Signup and view all the answers

What factors affect photosynthesis?

Type of light and pigments, amount/intensity of light, source/abundance of CO2, source/abundance of H2O, temperature and pH. Signup and view all the answers

Where do light-dependent reactions take place?

Within the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplast. Signup and view all the answers

Where does the Calvin Cycle take place?

Stroma. Signup and view all the answers

What molecules are needed for photosynthesis?

Carbon dioxide and water. Signup and view all the answers

What molecules are produced in photosynthesis?

Glucose and oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

What is a chloroplast?

Organelle where photosynthesis occurs. Signup and view all the answers

What pigment makes plants green?

Chlorophyll. Signup and view all the answers

What are light-independent reactions also called?

Calvin Cycle. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Photosynthesis Structure and Components

Thylakoids are sac-like photosynthetic membranes found in chloroplasts, organized in stacks.
Granum refers to a stack of thylakoids, essential for the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
Stroma is the fluid-filled space outside thylakoid membranes in chloroplasts, where the Calvin Cycle occurs.

Light-Dependent Reactions

Light-dependent reactions utilize energy from light and water to generate ATP (energy currency) and oxygen, which is released into the atmosphere.
These reactions occur within the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts, where chlorophyll absorbs light energy.

Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)

The Calvin Cycle, also known as light-independent reactions or named after Melvin Calvin, uses ATP and carbon dioxide (CO2) to synthesize high-energy sugars, like glucose.
The Calvin Cycle takes place in the stroma of chloroplasts.

Photosynthesis Requirements and Outputs

Key molecules required for photosynthesis are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).
Products of photosynthesis include glucose and oxygen, serving as energy sources for plants and oxygen for living organisms.

Role of ATP

ATP provides essential energy for various cellular reactions, enabling metabolic processes in living organisms.

Factors Influencing Photosynthesis

Effective photosynthesis is influenced by several factors including:
- Type of light and pigments present in plant cells.
- Amount and intensity of light exposure.
- Availability and abundance of CO2.
- Source and abundance of water (H2O).
- Environmental conditions such as temperature and pH.

Key Pigment in Photosynthesis

Chlorophyll is the pigment responsible for the green color in plants, crucial for absorbing light energy during photosynthesis.

Summary of Photosynthesis Processes

Light-dependent reactions produce ATP and oxygen using light energy and water.
The Calvin Cycle synthesizes glucose using ATP and CO2, highlighting the interconnectedness of these processes in photosynthesis.

Description

This quiz covers important terms related to the light-dependent and light-independent reactions of photosynthesis. You will explore key definitions like thylakoids, granum, and stroma, essential for understanding plant biology. Enhance your knowledge and test your grasp of these fundamental concepts in photosynthesis.