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Questions and Answers
What is the main product of the Calvin Cycle?
What is the main product of the Calvin Cycle?
What role does photorespiration play in plants?
What role does photorespiration play in plants?
Which type of plants are adapted to hot, dry environments by opening their stomates at night?
Which type of plants are adapted to hot, dry environments by opening their stomates at night?
What is the effect of increased temperature on enzyme activity during photosynthesis?
What is the effect of increased temperature on enzyme activity during photosynthesis?
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How does CO2 concentration influence photosynthesis at low levels?
How does CO2 concentration influence photosynthesis at low levels?
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What happens to the rate of photosynthesis when light intensity is low?
What happens to the rate of photosynthesis when light intensity is low?
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What is the primary function of glucose produced through the Calvin Cycle?
What is the primary function of glucose produced through the Calvin Cycle?
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Why do plants exhibit adaptations for photorespiration?
Why do plants exhibit adaptations for photorespiration?
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What is the primary role of chlorophyll in the light-dependent reactions?
What is the primary role of chlorophyll in the light-dependent reactions?
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What are the products of the light-dependent reactions that are necessary for the Calvin Cycle?
What are the products of the light-dependent reactions that are necessary for the Calvin Cycle?
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Where do the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur?
Where do the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis occur?
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What happens to water during the light-dependent reactions?
What happens to water during the light-dependent reactions?
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Which ion creates the electrochemical gradient during the light-dependent reactions?
Which ion creates the electrochemical gradient during the light-dependent reactions?
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What is required for the Calvin Cycle to take place?
What is required for the Calvin Cycle to take place?
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What is the primary function of NADPH in photosynthesis?
What is the primary function of NADPH in photosynthesis?
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How does CO2 enter the plant cells for the Calvin Cycle?
How does CO2 enter the plant cells for the Calvin Cycle?
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Study Notes
Photosynthesis Overview
- Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to create sugars (glucose), and release oxygen.
- The overall reaction is: CO₂ + H₂O + Light Energy → C₆H₁₂O₆ + O₂
Stages of Photosynthesis
- Photosynthesis occurs in two main stages: Light-dependent reactions and Light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle).
Light-Dependent Reactions
- Location: Thylakoid membranes within chloroplasts.
- Reactants: Water (H₂O), light energy, and chlorophyll.
- Products: Oxygen (O₂), ATP (adenosine triphosphate), and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate).
- Process: Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll, splitting water molecules to release oxygen, generating energy carriers ATP and NADPH. During this, electrons move along an electron transport chain.
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Key Steps:
- Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll.
- Water molecules are split, releasing oxygen.
- ATP and NADPH are produced to carry energy.
Light-Independent Reactions (Calvin Cycle)
- Location: Stroma of chloroplasts.
- Reactants: CO₂, ATP, and NADPH.
- Products: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆), ADP, and NADP⁺
- Process: The energy carriers ATP and NADPH from the light-dependent reactions supply the energy to convert carbon dioxide into sugars.
- Key point: This stage is also known as the carbon fixation stage. It does not directly require light.
- Key Process: CO₂ is fixed into an organic molecule, and with input of ATP and NADPH, glucose is created.
Products of Light-Dependent Reactions
- ATP: Used in the Calvin cycle to drive the synthesis of glucose.
- NADPH: Also used in the Calvin cycle to contribute to the creation of glucose.
- Oxygen: Released as a byproduct.
Factors Affecting Photosynthesis
- Carbon Dioxide Concentration: Higher CO₂ levels usually increase the rate of photosynthesis until a certain point.
- Light Intensity: Increasing light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis until a certain point.
- Temperature: Optimal temperature range for maximum photosynthesis rates exists. Above or below this range, the rate decreases.
CAM Plants
- Adapt to hot, dry environments.
- Keep their stomata closed during the day to prevent water loss, and open them at night to take in CO₂.
- Their Calvin Cycle is modified to store CO₂ during the night and use it during the day for photosynthesis.
Limiting Factors in Photosynthesis
- If any necessary factor (e.g., light intensity, CO₂ concentration, temperature) is below its optimal level, it can limit the rate of photosynthesis.
- The factor that is closest to its minimum is often called the limiting factor.
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Description
Explore the intricate process of photosynthesis, which enables plants to convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. This quiz covers the two main stages: light-dependent and light-independent reactions, providing an understanding of the key components and reactions involved.
