Photosynthesis Overview and Light Reactions
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Questions and Answers

What is the main outcome of the light stage in photosynthesis?

  • Production of NADPH (correct)
  • Production of glucose
  • Consumption of CO₂
  • Production of ATP (correct)

    • How do chloroplasts and mitochondria compare in terms of membrane structure?

  • Both have a highly permeable outer membrane and a less permeable inner membrane. (correct)
  • Both organelles lack a defined intermembrane space.
  • Chloroplasts have a single membrane; mitochondria have two.
  • Mitochondria consist of a highly permeable inner membrane and chloroplasts do not.

    • Which of the following accurately describes the stroma in chloroplasts?

  • The stroma contains metabolic enzymes and chloroplast DNA. (correct)
  • The stroma is analogous to the mitochondrial intermembrane space.
  • The stroma is a part of the outer membrane.
  • The stroma contains respiratory enzymes.

    • In the dark stage of photosynthesis, what is primarily produced?

    <p>Glucose (PGAL) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of chlorophyll in the light stage of photosynthesis?

    <p>To absorb sunlight. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of accessory pigments in photosynthesis?

    <p>To absorb light that chlorophyll would absorb poorly or not at all (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What pigment is responsible for the pink to purple colors in autumn foliage?

    <p>Anthocyanins (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which process are electrons removed from chlorophyll by a primary electron acceptor?

    <p>Photo-oxidation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b?

    <p>Chlorophyll b absorbs blue and red-orange light. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to chlorophyll as daylight hours and temperatures decrease?

    <p>It degrades, leading to the visibility of other pigments. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which stage of photosynthesis occurs after chlorophyll absorbs light?

    <p>Photo-oxidation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why does chlorophyll appear green to the human eye?

    <p>It primarily reflects green light while absorbing other wavelengths. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are tannins predominantly responsible for in plants?

    <p>Giving brown colors through waste processes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of chlorophyll in the process of photosynthesis?

    <p>To absorb specific wavelengths of visible light (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the energy transformation that occurs during photosynthesis?

    <p>It is an anabolic process converting radiant energy into chemical potential energy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor most directly affects the efficiency of light absorption by chlorophyll?

    <p>The specific wavelength of light absorbed (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the porphyrin ring in chlorophyll molecules?

    <p>It houses the magnesium atom which stabilizes the molecule (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which wavelength of solar radiation is most effectively utilized by photosynthetic organisms?

    <p>Visible light (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic of pigments allows chlorophyll to exist in two forms, a and b?

    <p>Absorption of different wavelengths of light (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process does NOT happen to solar radiation as it reaches Earth's atmosphere?

    <p>It is converted into chemical energy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The polar and non-polar characteristics of chlorophyll contribute to its function in which way?

    <p>It allows chlorophyll to integrate into thylakoid membranes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of chlorophyll a in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?

    <p>To transfer excited electrons to the Primary Electron Acceptor (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process is primarily responsible for generating ATP during the light-dependent reactions?

    <p>Redox reactions in the electron transport chain (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the chemiosmosis process in chloroplasts during photosynthesis?

    <p>To pump protons into the thylakoid interior creating a gradient (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the photosystems in the light-dependent reactions?

    <p>Photosystems I and II work together as a photosynthetic unit (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to electrons after they are emitted from the photo-oxidized chlorophyll a molecules?

    <p>They pass through the electron transport chain and create a proton gradient (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do carotenoids play during the light-dependent reactions?

    <p>They assist in transferring absorbed light energy to chlorophyll a (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ultimate purpose of the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?

    <p>To convert light energy into chemical energy stored as ATP and NADPH (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which color of light does Photosystem II primarily absorb?

    <p>Red light at 680 nm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Chloroplast function

    Chloroplasts perform energy conversion through chemiosmosis, similar to mitochondria.

    Chloroplast structure

    Chloroplasts have an outer membrane, a less permeable inner membrane with transport proteins, and an intermembrane space, all surrounding a stroma.

    Light-dependent stage requirements

    Sunlight, water, chlorophyll, NADP+, ADP + Pi are needed for the light-dependent stage.

    Light-dependent stage products

    Oxygen, NADPH, ATP are produced in the light-dependent stage of photosynthesis.

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    Stroma function

    The stroma in a chloroplast is analogous to the mitochondrial matrix. It contains enzymes for metabolic processes.

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    Photosynthesis

    The process used by plants and other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose.

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    Photosynthetic Pigments

    Molecules that absorb specific wavelengths of light energy for photosynthesis; examples include Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids.

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    Chlorophyll a

    The primary photosynthetic pigment in plants that absorbs mainly red and blue light efficiently, driving photosynthesis.

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    Chlorophyll Structure

    Consists of a porphyrin ring and a phytol tail. Its polar heads and non-polar tails allow it to position itself in the thylakoid membrane.

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    Thylakoid Membrane

    Membrane-bound compartments within chloroplasts where chlorophyll is embedded, essential for light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.

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    Visible Light

    The region of the electromagnetic spectrum used in photosynthesis, captured by photosynthetic pigments.

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    Solar Radiation

    Energy from the sun that reaches Earth, including visible light and other wavelengths.

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    Photons

    Discrete packets of light energy, traveling in waves, absorbed by chlorophyll.

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    Accessory pigments

    Pigments that absorb light poorly or not at all absorbed by chlorophyll, like carotenoids, and pass that energy to chlorophyll for photosynthesis.

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    Photoexcitation

    The process where electrons in chlorophyll are excited to a higher energy level by absorbing light, but then return to normal.

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    Photooxidation

    The process where electrons from chlorophyll are removed by a primary electron acceptor (PEA), resulting in the PEA's reduction.

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    Primary Electron Acceptor (PEA)

    The molecule that takes electrons from chlorophyll in photooxidation.

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    Carotenoids

    Accessory pigments, less abundant than chlorophylls, that become visible in autumn.

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    Light-dependent reactions

    The first stage of photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy (ATP and NADPH).

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    Photosystem

    A cluster of pigments (e.g., chlorophyll) that absorb light energy during photosynthesis.

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    Photosystem II (PSII)

    The photosystem that absorbs light at a wavelength of 680 nm.

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    Photosystem I (PSI)

    The photosystem that absorbs light at a wavelength of 700 nm.

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    ATP & NADPH

    Energy-carrying molecules produced during the light-dependent reactions, used in the Calvin Cycle.

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    Chemiosmosis

    The process of generating ATP using the proton gradient established across the thylakoid membrane.

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    Study Notes

    Photosynthesis Overview

    • Photosynthesis is the process by which photosynthetic organisms capture light energy and convert it into chemical energy in the bonds of glucose.
    • Photosynthetic organisms are the foundation of food chains.
    • Photosynthesis is an endergonic process, meaning it requires energy input.
    • Light energy is converted to chemical energy in glucose.
    • Photosynthesis is an anabolic process (building up complex molecules).

    Light Dependent Reactions of Photosynthesis

    • These reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.
    • They require two photosystems (Photosystem I and Photosystem II).
    • Photosystems are collections of pigments (like chlorophyll) surrounding a reaction center.
    • Chlorophyll a is the main pigment, capable of transferring excited electrons to a primary electron acceptor.
    • Accessory pigments (e.g., chlorophyll b, carotenoids) absorb other wavelengths of light and transfer the energy to chlorophyll a. This helps capture a wider range of light.
    • Water molecules are split, releasing oxygen.
    • Excited electrons are passed along the electron transport chain generating ATP and NADPH. These are energy carriers used in the Calvin Cycle.

    Photosynthesis: Where it Takes Place

    • Photosynthesis happens within cells of leaves in chloroplasts.
    • Chloroplasts are specialized organelles found in plant cells that contain pigments, primarily chlorophyll, which trap light.

    Photosynthesis Background Information

    • Solar radiation is measured in terms of wavelength.
    • Photons are packets of light energy.
    • Visible light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum used for photosynthesis (PAR).
    • Maximum absorption of light occurs in the blue-violet and red portions of the spectrum.
    • Different wavelengths of light are absorbed by different pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids).

    Chlorophyll Structure

    • Chlorophyll has a porphyrin ring and a phytol tail.
    • The tails are non-polar and the heads are polar. This accounts for its positioning in the thylakoid membrane.
    • Chlorophyll contains a magnesium atom at its centre.
    • This magnesium atom is crucial for chlorophyll's role in capturing light.

    Chlorophyll Pigments

    • Chlorophyll a is the primary pigment for photosynthesis.
    • Chlorophyll a and b and carotenoids absorb light of different wavelengths.
    • Chlorophyll b and carotenoids transfer light energy to chlorophyll a.
    • Chlorophyll a absorbs violet-blue and red light best.
    • Chlorophyll b absorbs blue and orange-red light and transmits green light, thus the colour of the leaves.

    Light Dependent Reactions Summary

    • A photon strikes a pigment molecule.
    • Energy is converted from light to chemical energy (ATP and NADPH).
    • Redox reactions and an electron transport chain (ETC) are involved.

    Chemiosmosis in Chloroplasts

    • Energy released from electrons is used to pump protons (H+) into the thylakoid space.
    • This creates a proton gradient.
    • Protons flow through ATP synthase to generate ATP.
    • This process is facilitated diffusion.

    Light-Dependent vs. Dark-Dependent (Light Independent)

    • Light Stage: Photosynthesis' light-dependent phase traps light energy to produce ATP and NADPH.
    • Dark Stage (Calvin Cycle): The light-independent reactions (Calvin Cycle) use the ATP and NADPH produced in the light-dependent phase to convert carbon dioxide into glucose.

    Chloroplast vs. Mitochondria

    • Chloroplasts and mitochondria both use chemiosmosis to make ATP.
    • Chloroplasts have highly permeable outer membranes, while mitochondria have less permeable inner membrane.
    • Chloroplasts have a stroma which is a large space inside, analogous to the matrix in mitochondria.
    • The stroma contains chloroplast DNA, ribosomes and enzymes for metabolic processes.

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    Lesson 8b - Capturing Solar Energy (PDF)

    Description

    Explore the fundamental concepts of photosynthesis, including the overall process and the specific light-dependent reactions that occur in chloroplasts. Understand the roles of various pigments, the nature of energy conversion, and the significance of photosynthetic organisms in ecosystems.

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