Photosynthesis Process Quiz

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What wavelengths of light do chlorophyll a and b absorb, and what wavelength do they reflect?

Chlorophyll a and b absorb blue and red wavelengths, but reflect green light.

What is the role of accessory pigments in photosynthesis?

Accessory pigments absorb wavelengths that chlorophyll a cannot, extending the range of light wavelengths that the cell can harness for photosynthesis.

What is the main organ of photosynthesis in plants?

Leaves are the main organs of photosynthesis.

Why are broad, flat leaf surfaces important for photosynthesis?

Broad, flat leaf surfaces expose abundant surface area to sunlight, which is essential for photosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of water in photosynthesis, and how is it absorbed by the plant?

Water is essential for photosynthesis, and it is absorbed by the plant's roots. Signup and view all the answers

What are the important gases involved in photosynthesis, and how do they enter and exit the plant?

Carbon dioxide and oxygen are important gases for photosynthesis, and they enter and exit the plant through the stomata, which are tiny openings in the epidermis of the leaf or stem. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of stomata in photosynthesis, and what is the tradeoff they create?

Stomata allow for gas exchange, but they also allow for water evaporation (transpiration) from the plant. Signup and view all the answers

Where does the majority of photosynthesis occur within the leaf, and what organelles are responsible for this process?

Most photosynthesis occurs in the mesophyll, which is the collective term for the internal cells filling the leaf's interior. These mesophyll cells contain abundant chloroplasts, the organelles responsible for photosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main energy source for photosynthesis?

Sunlight Signup and view all the answers

Define a photon.

Discrete packets of kinetic energy Signup and view all the answers

How does the energy content of a photon relate to its wavelength?

The shorter the wavelength, the more energy it contains Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main components of sunlight that reach Earth's surface?

Ultraviolet radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation Signup and view all the answers

Which component of sunlight provides energy that powers photosynthesis?

Visible light Signup and view all the answers

What is the most abundant photosynthetic pigment in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria?

Chlorophyll a Signup and view all the answers

What are accessory pigments in photosynthetic organisms?

Energy-capturing pigment molecules other than chlorophyll a Signup and view all the answers

Why do photosynthetic pigments have distinct colors?

Because they absorb only some wavelengths of visible light Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall chemical equation for photosynthesis?

$6CO_2 + 6H_2O \rightarrow C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$ Signup and view all the answers

How is photosynthesis classified in terms of redox reactions?

Photosynthesis is an oxidation-reduction (redox) process. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main functions of the glucose produced during photosynthesis?

The glucose is used for energy, as a raw material to build cellulose cell walls, and for manufacturing other compounds. Signup and view all the answers

How do plants store excess glucose produced during photosynthesis?

Plants may store excess glucose as starch or sucrose in specialized storage organs like tubers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe organisms like plants that can synthesize organic compounds from inorganic sources?

Autotrophs Signup and view all the answers

In contrast to autotrophs, how do heterotrophs obtain their carbon?

Heterotrophs obtain their carbon by consuming pre-existing organic molecules. Signup and view all the answers

Besides energy and growth, what other important role does photosynthesis serve?

Photosynthesis produces oxygen as a byproduct. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy that powers the process of photosynthesis?

Light energy, primarily from the sun Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the photosystems in photosynthesis?

The photosystems, located in the thylakoid membrane, contain pigments like chlorophyll a that capture light energy for photosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the reaction center in a photosystem?

The reaction center is the chlorophyll a molecule that uses the captured light energy in the photosynthetic reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What are antenna pigments and what is their role?

Antenna pigments are the pigments in a photosystem other than the reaction center chlorophyll a. They capture light energy and funnel it to the reaction center. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two stages of photosynthesis?

The two stages of photosynthesis are the light reactions and the carbon or light-independent reactions. Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the light reactions?

During the light reactions, solar energy is converted to chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH, using electrons from chlorophyll. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of water in photosynthesis?

Water molecules are split during the light reactions, providing electrons to replace those lost from chlorophyll and yielding oxygen as a by-product. Signup and view all the answers

What are the products of the light reactions?

The products of the light reactions are ATP and NADPH. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ATP and NADPH in photosynthesis?

ATP and NADPH are used as resources in the carbon reactions or light-independent reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Where do the light reactions take place in the chloroplast?

The light reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast. Signup and view all the answers

How many chlorophyll molecules are typically present in a photosystem?

A photosystem typically contains around 300 chlorophyll molecules. Signup and view all the answers