Photosynthesis Overview and Process
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of ATP in cells?

  • Transporting nutrients across cell membranes
  • Powering important cellular events (correct)
  • Energy storage for long-term use
  • Signals between cells

Why is ATP not suitable for long-term energy storage?

  • It is easily lost to the environment
  • It only provides energy in large amounts
  • It is inefficient compared to glucose for storage (correct)
  • It is too reactive and breaks down quickly

What process converts ADP into ATP?

  • Hydrolysis of glucose
  • Addition of a phosphate group (correct)
  • Oxidation
  • Dephosphorylation

Which molecule is the primary source of stored energy in cells?

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

What are heterotrophs?

<p>Living things that eat other living things (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must cells use in order to produce more ATP after its supply has been used up?

<p>Chemical compounds from food (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What best describes the relationship between glucose and ATP in cells?

<p>Glucose is stored to produce ATP when needed (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of organism is a cheetah classified as?

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

What is the primary role of chlorophyll in plants?

<p>To absorb light energy from the sun (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do leaves appear green to our eyes?

<p>They reflect green light (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which colors of light does chlorophyll absorb the best?

<p>Blue-violet and red (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are pigments in the context of photosynthesis?

<p>Molecules that capture light energy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes photosynthesis?

<p>It requires sunlight to produce food (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of organisms are autotrophs?

<p>Organisms that can produce their own food (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key requirement for photosynthesis to occur?

<p>Presence of chlorophyll (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the process of photosynthesis ultimately produce?

<p>Oxygen and glucose (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the set of reactions that occurs in the stroma during photosynthesis called?

<p>Calvin cycle (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What carrier molecule is essential for light-dependent reactions to accept high-energy electrons?

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

What did Van Helmont conclude was necessary for the increase in mass of a tree?

<p>Water (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is produced as a waste product during photosynthesis?

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

Which plant organelle is primarily responsible for carrying out photosynthesis?

<p>Chloroplast (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to carbon dioxide during photosynthesis?

<p>It is converted into glucose (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term describes substances that cannot be utilized by cells and are often discarded?

<p>Waste products (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might you observe on the leaves of a plant as a result of photosynthesis?

<p>Bubbles of oxygen (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of NADP+ in photosynthesis?

<p>It acts as a carrier for high-energy electrons from chlorophyll. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which molecule is transformed into NADPH during photosynthesis?

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

What are the final products of photosynthesis as summarized in the provided equation?

<p>Sugars and Oxygen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to high-energy electrons after being carried by NADPH?

<p>They help build useful molecules like sugars. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which part of the chloroplast does the light-dependent reaction occur?

<p>In the thylakoids (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is part of the photosynthesis equation?

<p>Carbon Dioxide (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which reaction are ATP and NADPH produced?

<p>Light-dependent reactions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What serves as the main energy source for the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis?

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

Which of the following organisms are autotrophs?

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

What is the source of energy that plants use to carry out photosynthesis?

<p>Sunlight (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a molecule of ATP compare to a molecule of glucose in terms of energy storage?

<p>ATP stores less energy than glucose. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What substance from the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis is crucial for energy conversion?

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

What differentiates red leaves from green leaves in terms of light absorption?

<p>Red leaves absorb different wavelengths of light. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why would a plant potentially grow better in white light than in green light?

<p>White light has a broader spectrum of wavelengths. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What drives the formation of ATP by ATP synthase?

<p>Buildup of H+ ions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is emitted as a byproduct of photosynthesis?

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

What do C4 plants utilize to carry out photosynthesis in low carbon dioxide conditions?

<p>Extra ATP (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do most plants close their openings in hot conditions?

<p>To prevent water loss (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of CAM plants in photosynthesis?

<p>They store carbon dioxide as acids overnight (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of C4 plants?

<p>They utilize a different chemical pathway for carbon fixation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which time do CAM plants primarily take in carbon dioxide?

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

What happens to some 3-carbon-atom molecules in the Calvin cycle?

<p>They become 5-carbon-atom molecules (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do ATP and NADPH provide to the 3-carbon-atom molecules during the light-dependent reactions?

<p>Energy to convert them into sugars (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about photosynthesis in extreme conditions is false?

<p>CAM plants store carbon dioxide as acids during the day. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of chlorophyll in plants?

<p>Capturing light energy for photosynthesis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of light does chlorophyll absorb the least?

<p>Green light (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do leaves appear green to us?

<p>They reflect green light while absorbing others (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do pigments play in photosynthesis?

<p>They absorb light energy required for photosynthesis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of light energy in photosynthesis?

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

What would happen if a plant lacked chlorophyll?

<p>It would be unable to photosynthesize efficiently. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about light in photosynthesis is true?

<p>Different wavelengths of light can affect photosynthesis rates. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does photosynthesis benefit the willow tree planted by van Helmont?

<p>It enables the tree to convert sunlight into food, aiding its growth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of Jan van Helmont's experiment with the willow tree?

<p>To explore the source of mass increase in plants (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which process do plant cells primarily use to capture energy from the sun?

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

What does the increase in mass of the willow tree in van Helmont's experiment suggest about plant growth?

<p>Plants derive some of their mass from carbon dioxide in the air (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following substances is NOT directly utilized in the process of photosynthesis?

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

What is a key reason cells do not store large amounts of ATP?

<p>ATP can be quickly consumed for energy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does glucose compare to ATP in terms of energy storage capacity?

<p>Glucose stores more energy than ATP. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the energy captured during photosynthesis primarily benefit the plant?

<p>It enables the conversion of light energy into chemical energy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do heterotrophs play in the energy cycle?

<p>They consume other living things for energy. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key function does sunlight serve in the photosynthesis process?

<p>It energizes electrons needed to form ATP and NADPH (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential requirement for photosynthesis to occur in plants?

<p>Presence of chlorophyll in cells (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to ADP when a phosphate group is added?

<p>It is fully charged to form ATP. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mystery is highlighted in the context of plant growth based on Jan van Helmont's findings?

<p>The source of mass increase in plants over time (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where do living things primarily derive the energy needed to make ATP?

<p>From chemical compounds in food. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do cells convert glucose into ATP rather than storing it as glucose?

<p>ATP is more efficient for immediate energy use. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is chemical energy primarily associated with?

<p>The energy stored in chemical bonds between atoms (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does energy change when a candle is lit?

<p>Energy is transformed from chemical to heat and light (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these describes ADP?

<p>It has minimal energy storage capacity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the role of glucose in cells?

<p>Glucose is a major form of long-term energy storage. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the energy requirements of living beings?

<p>Cells require energy continuously, even during rest (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to chemical bonds in a burning candle?

<p>They break, releasing energy that forms new molecules (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is ATP considered useful to cells?

<p>It acts as a universal chemical energy currency (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which forms of energy are mentioned as examples in the context?

<p>Light, heat, and electrical energy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the fate of the energy in chemical bonds when a candle burns?

<p>It is released as heat and light energy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does energy play in cellular processes?

<p>Energy is essential for all cellular activities including waste removal (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the ATP produced during the light-dependent reactions?

<p>To store energy for short-term use (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which step of photosynthesis are high-energy electrons reenergized?

<p>When sunlight shines on pigments (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is NOT a reactant in the Calvin cycle?

<p>O2 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of H+ ions being pumped into the thylakoid during the electron transport chain?

<p>To create a proton gradient for ATP synthesis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Calvin cycle from light-dependent reactions?

<p>It synthesizes stable sugars for long-term energy storage (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the water molecules during the light-dependent reactions?

<p>They provide electrons by being split into protons and oxygen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which pigment is primarily responsible for absorbing light during photosynthesis?

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

Which equation correctly represents the overall process of photosynthesis?

<p>H2O + CO2 light sugars + O2 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which color of light is least effective for plant photosynthesis?

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

Which process occurs first in photosynthesis?

<p>absorption of light energy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is not necessary for photosynthesis to occur?

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

Which pigment in spinach leaves would likely travel the shortest distance during chromatography?

<p>blue-green (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can be concluded about spinach leaves based on the provided information?

<p>Spinach leaves contain several pigments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which organelle are most pigments associated with photosynthesis found?

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

What is the role of high-energy electrons in the photosynthesis process?

<p>They drive all chemical reactions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

ATP

A molecule that stores and releases energy for cellular processes.

ADP

A molecule that is formed when ATP releases energy.

Glucose

A sugar molecule that stores large amounts of energy.

Heterotrophs

Living things that get their food by eating other organisms.

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ATP creation

ATP is made from ADP by adding a phosphate group.

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ATP uses

ATP powers cell processes and responses.

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ATP storage

Cells store only small amounts of ATP, for short-term use.

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Food and energy

Living things obtain energy for ATP production from chemical compounds in their food.

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Autotroph

An organism that can produce its own food through processes like photosynthesis.

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Photosynthesis

The process by which plants and other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods from water and carbon dioxide.

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Chlorophyll

A green pigment found in plants that absorbs light energy for photosynthesis.

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Pigments

Light-absorbing molecules that gather energy from the sun for photosynthesis.

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Sunlight

Light from the sun, composed of different wavelengths (colors).

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Reactants in Photosynthesis

The inputs of the photosynthesis process are water and carbon dioxide that are used to make food.

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Products of Photosynthesis

The outputs of the photosynthesis process, mainly glucose (sugar) and oxygen.

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Electron Carrier

A molecule that carries high-energy electrons from one part of a cell to another.

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What happens to high-energy electrons?

High-energy electrons from chlorophyll need to be carried by molecules like NADP+ to other parts of the cell.

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Why are sugars important?

Sugars are made using the energy carried by electron carriers. They are the main product of photosynthesis.

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Photosynthesis equation in words

Carbon dioxide and water react in the presence of light to produce sugars and oxygen.

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Photosynthesis equation in symbols

6CO2 + 6H2O --> C6H12O6 + 6O2

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What are the two stages of photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis has two main stages: The light-dependent reaction and the light-independent reaction.

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Calvin Cycle

The set of reactions that take place in the stroma of chloroplasts, where carbon dioxide is converted into glucose using energy from the light-dependent reactions.

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Photosynthesis reactant missing in Van Helmont's experiment

Carbon dioxide, which is absorbed by plants from the atmosphere.

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Overall process of photosynthesis

Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose molecules. It uses carbon dioxide and water as reactants, and produces glucose and oxygen as products.

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Waste product of photosynthesis

Oxygen, which is released into the atmosphere by plants.

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Photosynthesis organelle

Chloroplasts, which contain chlorophyll and are responsible for capturing light energy.

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Elodea

A type of water plant often used in experiments to observe the process of photosynthesis.

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Sodium bicarbonate

A compound used in photosynthesis experiments to provide carbon dioxide for the plant.

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C4 Plants

Plants with a special chemical pathway that allows them to efficiently take in carbon dioxide even in hot, dry conditions, enabling photosynthesis despite water conservation.

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CAM Plants

Plants adapted to arid environments that take in carbon dioxide only at night to minimize water loss, storing it as acids and using it for photosynthesis during the day.

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Photosynthesis in Hot Conditions

Plants face a challenge: closing stomata (pores) to conserve water in hot weather reduces carbon dioxide intake, slowing down photosynthesis.

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C4 Pathway

A metabolic pathway in C4 plants that incorporates carbon dioxide into a four-carbon compound, allowing photosynthesis to continue even with limited carbon dioxide availability.

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CAM Pathway

A metabolic pathway in CAM plants that allows carbon dioxide uptake at night and storage as acids, which are then used for photosynthesis during the day.

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Ice Plant

An example of a CAM plant that can survive in dry environments by effectively conserving water.

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Pineapple Tree

An example of a CAM plant known for its fruit and its ability to thrive in dry climates due to its water-saving adaptations.

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Desert Cacti

Examples of CAM plants that are well-adapted to desert environments, using CAM photosynthesis to thrive in hot, arid conditions.

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What fuels ATP production?

The energy for ATP production comes from food (glucose) in living things and from sunlight in plants.

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Light-dependent reaction

The first stage of photosynthesis, where light energy is captured and converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.

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Light-independent reaction

The second stage of photosynthesis, where carbon dioxide is used to create glucose (sugar) using the energy stored in ATP and NADPH.

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Van Helmont's Experiment

A 17th-century experiment where a willow tree was grown in a pot with weighed soil to investigate where the tree's additional mass came from. The results were inconclusive.

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Photosynthesis Equation

The chemical equation representing photosynthesis: 6CO2 + 6H2O + Light → C6H12O6 + 6O2; Carbon dioxide and water react in the presence of light to produce glucose and oxygen.

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Photosynthesis Site

Photosynthesis takes place in chloroplasts, small organelles within plant cells.

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What does photosynthesis provide?

Photosynthesis produces glucose (sugar) as a source of chemical energy for plants and oxygen as a byproduct.

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Energy

The ability to do work. It's what enables things to happen, like moving, growing, or producing heat.

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Chemical Energy

Energy stored within the bonds of molecules. When bonds break, this energy is released.

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Thylakoid

A disc-shaped structure inside chloroplasts where light-dependent reactions occur.

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Stroma

The fluid surrounding the thylakoids in chloroplasts where the light-independent reactions occur.

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Sugars

The primary product of photosynthesis, they store energy from sunlight.

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What is the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

Chlorophyll is a green pigment that absorbs light energy, specifically red and blue wavelengths, which is essential for photosynthesis.

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How are autotrophs different from heterotrophs?

Autotrophs produce their own food through photosynthesis, while heterotrophs obtain energy by consuming other organisms.

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How does ATP get made?

ATP is formed by adding a phosphate group to ADP. This process requires energy, which comes from food.

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What does ATP power?

ATP powers essential cell functions like protein synthesis and responses to external signals.

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Why do cells have little ATP?

Cells only have a small amount of ATP because it isn't great at storing energy long-term. Glucose is better for that.

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What is food for living things?

Food provides the chemical compounds used to make ATP, the energy source for all living things.

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What is the role of sunlight in photosynthesis?

Sunlight provides the energy used by plants to make their own food (sugar) during photosynthesis.

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Decomposers

Organisms like mushrooms that break down dead organisms and waste, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

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Why are decomposers heterotrophs?

Decomposers cannot make their own food. They rely on consuming dead organisms and waste to obtain energy.

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How does photosynthesis help a willow tree gain mass?

Photosynthesis allows the tree to make its own food, providing the energy and building blocks needed for growth, increasing its mass.

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Photosystem II

A complex of proteins in the thylakoid membrane that captures light energy and uses it to split water molecules, releasing oxygen and producing high-energy electrons.

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Electron Transport Chain

A series of protein molecules embedded in the thylakoid membrane that pass high-energy electrons down the chain, releasing energy that is used to pump protons (H+) into the thylakoid lumen, creating a proton gradient.

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Photosystem I

A second photosystem that captures light energy and re-energizes electrons, which are then used to reduce NADP+ to NADPH.

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What is the role of high-energy electrons?

High-energy electrons, excited by light energy, are passed along using carrier molecules in the light-dependent reactions. This energy is then used to create ATP and NADPH, which power the light-independent reaction.

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Study Notes

Photosynthesis: An Overview

  • Photosynthesis is the process by which plants and other autotrophs capture energy from sunlight to produce high-energy sugars.
  • Autotrophs make their own food from carbon dioxide and water using light energy.
  • Heterotrophs obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
  • Light is a form of energy that travels to Earth in the form of different wavelengths(and colors). Plants use pigments to capture light energy.
  • Chlorophyll is the primary pigment in plants, absorbing blue-violet and red light most effectively.

The Process of Photosynthesis

  • Photosynthesis involves two sets of reactions: light-dependent and light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle).
  • Light-dependent reactions: These reactions take place in thylakoids of chloroplasts using chlorophyll and other pigments. They use light energy, water and electrons to produce ATP and NADPH. Oxygen gas is a byproduct.
  • Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle): These reactions take place in the stroma of chloroplasts. They use carbon dioxide, ATP, and NADPH to produce sugars.

Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

  • Temperature: Photosynthesis enzymes work best within a specific temperature range (optimum temperature).
  • Light intensity: Increased light intensity generally increases the rate of photosynthesis (up to a certain point).
  • Water availability: Water is essential for photosynthesis as it serves as a reactants and for maintaining turgor pressure.

Photosynthesis in Extreme Conditions

  • C4 plants have a special pathway to efficiently capture carbon dioxide, enabling them to photosynthesize in hot, dry environments. This pathway involves different leaf structures and enzyme systems for carbon dioxide uptake, allowing them to avoid photorespiration under stressful conditions.
  • CAM plants open their stomata only at night to conserve water and carry out photosynthesis during the day. CAM plants store carbon dioxide as organic acids at night and release it during the day for photosynthesis.

Additional Key Concepts (implied in the original context but elaborated on for clarity).

  • Chloroplasts: The organelles where photosynthesis occurs, containing thylakoids and stroma.

  • Pigments: Light-absorbing molecules within chloroplasts; essential for capturing light energy. Different pigments absorb different wavelengths of visible light.

  • Electron Carriers (like NADPH): Molecules that transport high-energy electrons produced during the light-dependent reactions to the light-independent reactions for use in sugar synthesis.

  • ATP: Adenosine triphosphate; a crucial energy-carrying molecule produced during the light-dependent reactions and used in the Calvin cycle.

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Description

Explore the fascinating process of photosynthesis, where plants harness sunlight to create energy-rich sugars. Learn about the two main sets of reactions—light-dependent and light-independent—and discover the factors affecting this vital process. This quiz delves into the essentials of how autotrophs thrive.

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