Photosynthesis & Respiration Review

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Questions and Answers

How are the processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration interconnected in terms of energy and matter?

Photosynthesis uses sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce glucose and oxygen, while cellular respiration uses glucose and oxygen to produce energy, water, and carbon dioxide. The products of one process are the reactants of the other, forming a cycle.

Explain the importance of using controlled variables when conducting experiments related to photosynthesis or respiration.

Controlled variables ensure that only the independent variable is affecting the dependent variable. This allows for accurate conclusions about cause and effect and minimizes the influence of confounding factors.

How do enzymes affect the activation energy of a chemical reaction, and why is this important for living organisms?

Enzymes lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, allowing reactions to proceed faster and under conditions compatible with life.

Describe how temperature affects enzyme activity and explain why enzymes have an optimal temperature range.

Enzyme activity increases with temperature up to a point, beyond which the enzyme denatures and loses function. The optimal range is where the enzyme's activity is at its peak without denaturation. Signup and view all the answers

How does diffusion facilitate gas exchange in plants and animals, and why is this process essential for their survival?

Diffusion allows gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide to move between cells and the environment, enabling respiration and photosynthesis. It's essential because these processes provide energy and remove waste products. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why plants are capable of photosynthesis and animals are not.

Plants have chloroplasts, which contain chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is essential for the conversion of light energy into chemical energy during photosynthesis. Animals lack this organelle and thus can't perform this process. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of enzymes in photosynthesis and respiration?

Enzymes catalyze (speed up) biochemical reactions. In photosynthesis they help convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. During respiration, they help break down glucose to release energy. Signup and view all the answers

How does varying the intensity of light affect the rate of photosynthesis, and explain why this occurs.

As light intensity increases, the rate of photosynthesis usually increases up to a certain point, after which it plateaus. This is because light is a key reactant, and at higher intensities, more light energy is available to fuel the process, to a certain point. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the differences in the word and chemical equations for photosynthesis and respiration.

Photosynthesis is $6CO_2 + 6H_2O + light -> C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2$, while respiration is $C_6H_{12}O_6 + 6O_2 -> 6CO_2 + 6H_2O + energy$. Photosynthesis uses light and produces glucose, and and respiration breaks down glucose and produces water and carbon dioxide, releasing energy. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the function of independent, dependent, and controlled variables in a scientific experiment.

The independent variable is manipulated, the dependent variable is measured, and controlled variables are kept constant to prevent them from influencing the dependent variable. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the concepts of prediction and reasoning are applied in scientific inquiry.

Scientists make predictions based on hypotheses and existing knowledge, then test these predictions through experimentation. Logical reasoning is used to analyze results and draw conclusions. Signup and view all the answers

How do scientists use graphing data and explaining trends to reach conclusions from observations?

Graphing data allows for visualization of relationships between variables. By explaining trends, scientists can identify patterns and draw conclusions based on evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential for animals and plants to exchange gases with the environment, and what gases are primarily exchanged?

Gas exchange is essential for animals and plants. Animals primarily take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide, while plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Signup and view all the answers

Describe what happens to enzymes that causes them to not function correctly at high temperatures.

At high temperatures, enzymes can denature (unfold), losing their specific three-dimensional structure. This structural change disrupts the active site, preventing the enzyme from binding to its substrate. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the specificity of an enzyme is determined by its structure.

The specificity of an enzyme is determined by the shape of its active site, which only fits a specific substrate. This "lock and key" or induced fit model ensures that the enzyme only catalyzes reactions involving compatible molecules. Signup and view all the answers

What is thermal energy, and how does it affect diffusion?

Thermal energy is the energy of heat that causes particles to move randomly; causing them to spread. The higher the temperature, the faster the particles move, resulting in a faster rate of diffusion. Signup and view all the answers

If a plant is kept in complete darkness, what would happen to its rate of photosynthesis, and why?

The rate of photosynthesis would decrease and eventually stop. Light is essential to convert water and carbon dioxide into glucose. Signup and view all the answers

Describe what is meant by an enzyme's 'active site' and explain its significance in enzyme function.

The active site is a region on an enzyme where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction. It is significant because its shape and chemical environment facilitate the specific reaction to occur. Signup and view all the answers

How does an increase in heat affect the rate of diffusion and describe why this occurs at the molecular level.

Increasing heat increases the rate of diffusion. Adding heat increases the kinetic energy of molecules, causing them to move faster and further, that results in a quicker spread from high to low concentration. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the principle that causes particles to move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration during diffusion.

Particles move from high to low concentration due to the random motion of molecules; they tend to spread out evenly throughout the available space. This occurs naturally because there are more particles available to move out of the high concentration. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Photosynthesis?

Process where plants use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water, also creating oxygen.

What is Respiration?

The process by which cells break down glucose to produce energy, consuming oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide and water.

Reactants vs. Products

Reactants are the substances that start a chemical reaction, while products are the substances that are produced as a result of the reaction.

Photosynthesis & Respiration Connection

Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide and produces oxygen, while respiration uses oxygen and produces carbon dioxide. They are interconnected and essential for life.